Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman labeled the Bajaur blast as the ‘biggest intelligence failure.’ In response to the explosion that killed over 50 people, the party plans to summon a local jirga. In a video statement on his official Twitter account, Fazl questioned the whereabouts of the 26 intelligence institutions, calling it a significant intelligence failure.
The death toll from the explosion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district has reached 55. The religiopolitical party accused the provincial administration of neglecting security for their workers’ convention despite their request.
Fazl expressed concerns about the escalating unrest in the Pashtun belt, extending to Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh’s Karachi. He criticized the intelligence agencies’ operations, questioning whether they only target religious figures and harass them.
Initial investigations suggested the involvement of the outlawed Islamic State in the suicide bombing at JUI-F’s workers’ convention. The incident marks a surge in militancy in Pakistan since the end of the ceasefire with the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban.
Several terrorist organizations promptly condemned the Bajaur blast. In response to the current situation, a meeting of the central council of JUI has been scheduled.
Fazl emphasized the need for leaders and Pashtun representatives to come together to address the region’s challenges and security concerns. He urged the state institutions responsible for security to assure citizens’ safety and protect their lives and wealth.
The JUI-F chief stated the party’s intention to engage with all sides and schools of thought to find solutions and communicate concerns to responsible authorities. Fazl called for eradicating crime and not exploiting it for personal gain, expressing deep concern about the situation.
