JUI-F Leader Accuses Governments of Coordinated Tribal Displacement
In a strongly worded news conference held in Islamabad, Maulana Muhammad Jamaluddin of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) has leveled serious accusations against both the federal and provincial governments. He alleged a deliberate collusion in the forced displacement of tribal communities in the Tirah and Kurram regions, highlighting a lack of accountability for the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
Allegations of Government Coordination and Avoidance of Responsibility
Maulana Jamaluddin stated that while the federal government continues military operations in these areas, the provincial administration has been actively facilitating the process. "The displacement of innocent tribal residents is not an isolated administrative failure, it is the result of a deliberate coordination between the federal and provincial governments," he asserted. He criticized the timing of these operations, noting that launching them during heavy snowfall, rain, and extreme cold is highly inhumane, leading to entire communities being uprooted from their homes.
Worsening Security Situation and Sectarian Tensions
The JUI-F leader pointed out that former tribal regions, including Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, and North and South Waziristan, have long endured insecurity, military operations, and drone strikes. However, he warned that over the past three to four months, the situation has deteriorated to a dangerous level. He alleged that in areas where terrorism does not justify violence, sectarian tensions are being deliberately inflamed, specifically citing the creation of a Shia-Sunni conflict in Kurram district, which puts lives and property at grave risk.
Humanitarian Crisis and Corruption Concerns
Maulana Jamaluddin detailed the severe hardships faced by displaced families, including registration problems on roads, lack of shelter, and harsh winter conditions. "Already, children, women, and the elderly are losing their lives to the cold," he added. He also raised concerns over alleged corruption in relief funds, noting that the provincial government has released four billion rupees for the displaced but lacks a transparent record of expenditure. He called for a judicial inquiry into the misappropriation of these funds.
Constitutional Responsibilities and Political Criticism
Emphasizing constitutional duties, Maulana Jamaluddin stated that the Prime Minister, as chief executive, oversees all security institutions, while provincial chief ministers are responsible for law and order post-18th Amendment. He accused both federal and provincial authorities of shifting blame to escape accountability. The JUI-F leader reiterated his party's consistent opposition to these military operations, mentioning objections raised in the Senate by Maulana Ata-ur-Rehman and on-ground support from party workers.
Demands for Immediate Action and Justice
Maulana Jamaluddin condemned the killing of religious scholars in tribal regions, such as Maulana Sultan Mehmood, and demanded the immediate apprehension of perpetrators. He made three urgent demands:
- Immediate halt to military operations in Tirah Valley.
- Safe and respectful return of displaced residents to their homes with full access to relief and rehabilitation services.
- Restoration of law and order across the former FATA region, from Bajaur to Waziristan, ensuring lasting peace and security.
This news conference underscores growing political tensions over governance and human rights issues in Pakistan's tribal areas, with JUI-F positioning itself as a vocal critic of current policies.
