Shehbaz and Fazlur Rehman discuss easing federal-KP tensions

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on October 10 about easing tensions between the federal authorities and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government.

The prime minister's office said Sharif invited Rehman to a meeting at his residence and that the invitation was accepted. State broadcaster Radio Pakistan separately confirmed the telephone contact and its subject.

Counterterrorism policy is central to the dispute. PTI governs the province while remaining in opposition federally. The party says it has been excluded from regional security decisions, an allegation the central government denies.

Government talks with the TTAP opposition alliance on October 3 failed to bridge differences. Opposition representatives subsequently met Rehman, who urged federal authorities not to obstruct PTI's protest march towards Islamabad, citing political parties' right to demonstrate.

PTI lawmaker Junaid Akbar said on Thursday that Rehman had offered help in overcoming the impasse. He said no specific mediation framework had yet been presented. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also referred to efforts to restart dialogue but voiced limited optimism.

The dispute includes competing accusations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the province had received 700 billion rupees for development but had failed to strengthen counterterrorism institutions and other security infrastructure adequately. His claim that money was being spent on protests is a federal minister's allegation, rather than an audit finding.

Dawn later reported that Rehman met Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday. Renewed contact does not itself mean the parties have agreed on security policy or ended their political confrontation.