PESHAWAR – Tensions are reportedly mounting between the authorities and the (JUI-F) in Peshawar as the provincial administration’s ongoing grand operation against encroachments has reached the outer walls of the Mufti Mahmood Centre, a prominent JUI(F) facility in the provincial capital.
The development has assumed political significance following the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the administration pressing ahead with its campaign to remove structures and encroachments allegedly occupying public spaces and right of way areas across Peshawar.
The situation became particularly sensitive after the administration reportedly moved to remove the outer walls of the Mufti Mahmood Centre.In response, the JUI(F) has mobilised members of its Ansar ul Islam force at the site to prevent the walls from being demolished, raising concerns that a routine anti encroachment operation could develop into a confrontation between government authorities and the religious political party.
The Mufti Mahmood Centre is considered an important organisational and political centre of the JUI(F) in Peshawar.Any attempt to demolish portions of its outer boundary is therefore likely to carry implications beyond the immediate issue of encroachment and could further strain relations between the administration and the JUI(F).
Government officials are expected to maintain that the anti encroachment campaign is being conducted under the applicable law and is intended to clear public roads, passages and state land without discrimination.The authorities’ challenge, however, will be to demonstrate that the operation is being carried out under uniform criteria and is not targeting any particular political or religious organisation.
The JUI(F), on the other hand, is likely to argue that any action against the centre should be undertaken strictly in accordance with the law and after completion of all relevant legal and administrative procedures.The presence of Ansar ul Islam personnel at the site indicates the seriousness with which the party is treating the issue.
Political observers believe that the confrontation comes at a particularly sensitive time for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.With emergency measures and Governor’s Rule already creating an unusual political and administrative environment, any physical confrontation between government personnel and JUI(F) workers could have repercussions well beyond the Mufti Mahmood Centre.
The deployment of Ansar ul Islam has consequently added a new dimension to the situation.If the administration proceeds with demolition while party workers attempt to physically resist the operation, there is a possibility of clashes, arrests or further escalation.
At the same time, the authorities face pressure to continue the anti-encroachment campaign in order to demonstrate that the operation is not being selectively implemented.Backtracking from action against a politically influential institution could invite criticism from other sections of society, while forceful action could intensify political tensions.
The emerging dispute has therefore become a test of both administrative authority and political restraint.For the government, the immediate challenge is to enforce its anti encroachment policy while avoiding an unnecessary confrontation.For the JUI-F, the challenge is to protect its political and organisational interests without allowing the dispute to turn into a street confrontation.
Political circles believe that dialogue between the administration and JUI(F) leadership could provide a way out of the developing impasse.A legal review of the disputed portion of the boundary, verification of ownership or right of way records and a mutually agreed mechanism for resolving the issue could help prevent the situation from escalating.
However, if the authorities decide to proceed with the demolition and the Ansar ul Islam personnel remain deployed to resist the move, the Mufti Mahmood Centre could emerge as a new flashpoint in Peshawar’s already tense political environment.
The developments are being closely watched as the administration’s broader anti encroachment campaign continues across the provincial capital.What began as an operation to clear alleged encroachments has now acquired a significant political dimension, with the government and JUI(F) facing a delicate test of authority, restraint and political maturity.
