Peshawar – A new political development is taking shape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the political rivalry between Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s faction and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has taken center stage. In a bold move, Engineer Zia-ur-Rehman, younger brother of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has publicly accepted Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s challenge to contest in the upcoming elections.
The confrontation signals a potential electoral showdown in the province, where political dynamics are already heated due to tensions between religious-political groups and mainstream parties. With both sides readying themselves for battle, this latest challenge has re-ignited discussions about party influence, leadership legitimacy, and electoral strength.
🔍 Background: Who is Engineer Zia-ur-Rehman?
Engineer Zia-ur-Rehman is a seasoned political figure and the younger brother of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), one of the largest religious-political parties in Pakistan. Although not as prominently featured in national headlines as his elder brother, Zia-ur-Rehman has been an active member of JUI-F and has played significant roles in electoral mobilization, constituency management, and internal party affairs, especially in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
With a background in engineering, Zia-ur-Rehman brings a blend of technical expertise and political acumen, making him a unique figure in the party. His recent public statements reflect a more direct, confrontational tone, suggesting that the JUI-F is preparing to take a more assertive stance ahead of the next election cycle.
🗣️ The Challenge and Response: What Did Zia-ur-Rehman Say?
In a video statement that quickly went viral across social media and news platforms, Engineer Zia-ur-Rehman openly accepted a political challenge issued by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. In his remarks, Zia-ur-Rehman stated:
“Ali Amin Gandapur, your challenge has been accepted—not by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, but by his brother. This is not the time for Maulana to engage with you. First, compete with the son of Mufti Mahmood.”
His reference to Mufti Mahmood, the late father of Maulana Fazlur Rehman and a towering political figure in Pakistan’s religious-political history, was significant. It signaled not only familial pride but also a continuation of political legacy, a cornerstone of many dynastic parties in Pakistan.
He further added:
“If you believe in the power of your mandate, then ask your brother to resign and face me in a contest. Let the people decide who truly holds influence.”
🔥 Rising Tensions Between PTI and JUI-F in KP
The verbal sparring comes in the backdrop of a growing rivalry between PTI and JUI-F in KP, especially after the 2024 general elections, where PTI faced several legal and electoral challenges. JUI-F, led by Fazlur Rehman, has remained a vocal critic of PTI’s policies, often accusing it of being foreign-sponsored, anti-Islamic, and ineffective in governance.
Ali Amin Gandapur, the recently appointed Chief Minister of KP, has adopted a combative style of leadership, regularly engaging in public statements and criticisms of opposition parties, especially JUI-F. His leadership style, often filled with populist rhetoric, is both admired and criticized across political circles.
🧭 Zia-ur-Rehman’s Political Intentions: Strengthening JUI-F’s Grip in KP
In his statement, Zia-ur-Rehman also hinted at broader ambitions to strengthen his brother’s political standing in the province. By stepping forward, he aims to fill the vacuum left by other party stalwarts and revitalize JUI-F’s base in districts where PTI has recently made gains.
He urged his supporters and workers to begin mobilizing for the coming battle, emphasizing that the time has come to challenge PTI’s dominance in the province. He said:
“We will prove that the legacy of Mufti Mahmood and the leadership of Maulana Fazlur Rehman are not fading. This challenge is the beginning of a new political reality.”
🧱 The Legacy of Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Role of Dynastic Politics
Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been at the helm of religious-political leadership in Pakistan for decades. Known for his oratory skills, parliamentary experience, and deep-rooted influence in southern KP, he has remained a kingmaker in several coalition governments over the years.
Dynastic politics, while often criticized, remains a norm in Pakistani politics, with family members often succeeding or supporting each other in both party leadership and electoral contests. The involvement of Engineer Zia-ur-Rehman further reflects this tradition, positioning him as a potential political heir or at least a crucial supporting pillar in JUI-F’s future political strategy.
📉 Gandapur’s Political Decline? Zia-ur-Rehman’s Strong Allegations
In a pointed remark, **Zia-ur-Rehman claimed that the tone and manner of Ali Amin Gandapur’s recent statements are proof that his “political time is over.”
“The pain in your voice and the frustration in your statements show that your influence is diminishing. Your era is ending.”
This statement is seen as a direct jab at Gandapur’s perceived decline in popularity, especially as PTI grapples with internal divisions, legal hurdles, and questions about its future direction post-Imran Khan.
🔍 Election Strategy and Grassroots Mobilization
Zia-ur-Rehman’s acceptance of the challenge is also seen as part of JUI-F’s broader grassroots mobilization strategy. In many rural constituencies of KP, the party maintains strong ties with local clerics, madrassas, and tribal elders, giving it an edge in door-to-door campaigning and community-based support building.
The party is expected to:
- Increase public gatherings (jalsas) in southern KP
- Strengthen its digital media presence
- Promote younger leadership like Zia-ur-Rehman to attract first-time voters
- Counter PTI’s narrative through religious and social messaging
📊 What This Means for KP’s Political Landscape
This public exchange between Ali Amin Gandapur and Zia-ur-Rehman is more than just political banter—it marks a critical realignment of forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the province being a political stronghold for PTI for the last several election cycles, any successful inroads made by JUI-F could significantly alter the political calculus in the region.
Possible scenarios include:
- A direct electoral face-off between Zia-ur-Rehman and a Gandapur family member
- Intensified electoral competition in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and other key southern districts
- Emergence of religious-nationalist alliances between JUI-F and other anti-PTI forces
🗳️ Upcoming General Elections: The Road Ahead
With general elections likely to be held in late 2025 or early 2026, this showdown comes at a strategically important time. Both PTI and JUI-F are preparing to secure ground-level support, nominate strong candidates, and build electoral alliances.
Political analysts believe that:
- JUI-F is trying to reclaim lost constituencies
- PTI is aiming to maintain its vote bank despite leadership vacuums
- Regional rivalries like this one could shape provincial election outcomes
📢 Final Thoughts: A Political Battle to Watch
The acceptance of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s challenge by Engineer Zia-ur-Rehman has set the stage for a high-stakes political contest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As the battle lines are drawn, all eyes will be on how this feud unfolds in the coming months.
Whether it ends in a direct electoral face-off or becomes a symbol of the larger ideological divide in KP, one thing is certain—the political game in KP has just become a lot more interesting.
