ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of the JUI-F, clarified that there is no formal alliance between his party and its longstanding rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In an interview, Fazl remarked that interactions with PTI representatives have occurred previously, and his party has consistently treated them with respect.
The context of the question arose from a recent meeting between a PTI delegation and Fazl’s JUI-F, where they discussed concerns over the alleged rigging in the February 8 elections, foreseeing potential instability.
The PTI delegation, led by Asad Qaiser and including Barrister Saif, Amir Dogar, and Fazal Khan, engaged in dialogue with JUI-F leadership.
Fazl clarified that while discussions between political entities are customary, labeling such interactions as an “alliance” misconstrues the cultural norms, particularly in Pashtun traditions, where hospitality towards guests is paramount, and dialogue is always encouraged.
Expressing reservations about the election outcomes, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fazl emphasized the significant differences between the two parties, likening them to mountains that are not easily surmounted.
However, he underscored the importance of dialogue, stating that political leaders should never shy away from constructive conversations that could lead to problem-solving.
Regarding the election irregularities, Fazl raised pertinent questions about the credibility of the electoral process, questioning how such a flawed election could be deemed acceptable.
