Naqvi Claims Political Leader ‘Upset’ Over Failure to Secure KP Governorship

Interior Minister alleges unnamed party chief relied on establishment’s support for decades

Staff Report

LAHORE: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that an unnamed political party chief is “deeply upset” over failing to secure the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governorship or a position in the province’s new administrative setup, alleging that the leader had relied on the establishment’s support for decades to remain politically relevant.

Speaking informally to journalists in Lahore on Friday, Naqvi said the politician should refrain from criticising others, arguing that political differences should be expressed through facts and reasoned debate rather than personal attacks and accusations.

“Such was his situation that even the air tickets for his political party were arranged by the establishment,” the interior minister claimed, without identifying the leader.

Naqvi’s remarks came amid mounting political tensions following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a move that has effectively sidelined the PTI-led provincial government and triggered criticism from opposition figures.

Naqvi raises questions over former Fata districts’ resources

The interior minister also criticised political leaders who have recently raised concerns about the allocation of resources to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), questioning why they had remained silent when the districts allegedly failed to receive their due share in previous years.

“Some political leaders are very concerned today about the resources of the former Fata districts. When these districts were not receiving their due share for several years, why were these people silent?” Naqvi asked. He questioned why the same leaders had not raised their voices for the rights. He stressed that the issue of rights and resources of the people of former FATA should remain above political interests.

Turning to the security situation, Naqvi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was currently facing serious security challenges. He urged political leaders to contribute towards restoring peace and eliminating terrorism instead of “fuelling the fire and spreading unrest”. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs peace, stability and collective efforts, not political confrontation,” Naqvi added.