The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has established a five-member negotiation team to engage in talks with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
The team includes PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, party’s Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan, Senator Shibli Faraz, and NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan. This step marks a significant move, coming after multiple meetings between the leadership of PTI and JUI-F, who have traditionally been rivals. These discussions have intensified following the February 8 elections, with both parties raising concerns over alleged election interference and manipulation.
In a notable development last month, Asad Qaiser from PTI met JUI-F Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad. During their meeting, they agreed on the opposition’s role in the National Assembly and the establishment of a political committee to address their differences and formulate a unified strategy. Both parties have also aligned in their opposition to the government’s new anti-terror initiative, “Operation Azm-e-Istekham,” proposed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They argued that military operations are not a solution, advocating instead for political engagement to foster peace and stability.
Despite these discussions, JUI-F’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently stated that his party had serious reservations about PTI. He pointed out inconsistencies in PTI’s approach and expressed skepticism about forming an alliance.
Fazlur Rehman stressed that while his party is open to dialogue, it requires clarity from PTI and its allied parties, such as the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), which has shown reluctance towards negotiations. He urged PTI and SIC to resolve their differences to facilitate a more constructive political environment. The JUI-F chief reiterated his commitment to creating a positive political atmosphere and emphasized the need for decisive and consistent stances from all parties involved.
