Peshawar (The COW News Digital) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza has claimed that a candidate backed by the federal government has been prepared to become the next chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after breaking away a member from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Murtaza alleged that the plan involved creating a forward bloc within the PTI-led provincial assembly with the consent and assistance of the federal government. He claimed that the group would then play a role in moving political developments forward in the province.
The senator’s remarks come amid growing political uncertainty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of Governor’s Rule and an emergency. The province has witnessed heightened tensions, with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several other political figures reportedly taken into custody.
Murtaza also commented on the opposition’s leadership at the national level, saying JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman would not become the opposition leader in the National Assembly. He said Mahmood Khan Achakzai held the position and added that his party respected him.
The JUI-F leader maintained that PTI would continue to exist as a political party and said there was no issue with its continued presence in the political system. He stressed that his party was pursuing its own political agenda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rather than working according to the programme of another political party.
Murtaza said democratic engagement offered the best way forward for resolving political disputes. His comments suggested that political realignments within the provincial assembly could become a significant factor in determining the province’s future leadership.
However, the claim that a PTI member had already been prepared for the chief minister’s office remains an allegation by the JUI-F senator. No independent confirmation of the alleged plan was provided in the reported remarks.
Addressing the security situation, Murtaza said there should be no disagreement over eliminating terrorism from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasised that residents must be able to live safely, with their lives, property and dignity protected.
He added that efforts to end terrorism should go beyond official announcements and be supported by practical measures that improve security on the ground. His remarks highlighted the importance of protecting civilians while addressing the province’s security challenges.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained at the centre of political and security debates, with disagreements between political parties adding to uncertainty over governance. The latest allegations about a possible forward bloc could further intensify speculation about changes in the provincial political landscape.
The coming days may prove important in determining whether the reported political strategy gains support within the assembly. Until further evidence or official statements emerge, the senator’s claim should be treated as an allegation rather than a confirmed development.
