Fazl, Sharif likely to meet tomorrow

JUI-F chief to adamant for ex-PM to lead PML-N’s delegation

LAHORE: To further hash out modalities of an expected upcoming all parties conference, Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is expected to meet former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday in Lahore, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader disclosed.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, he said Fazl was putting in serious efforts for the APC but still a lot is to be decided. He said the JUI-F chief will meet Sharif on Sunday to discuss further modalities of APC while ruling out possibility of the PML-N supremo meeting the Pakistan Peoples Party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari any time soon.



“Both leaders have nothing to discuss so their chances of meeting prior to the APC were very slim,” said the source adding that PMLN wants a purposeful APC to take place. “We don’t want to attend an APC just to pass resolutions,” he added.

He said all parties, prior to participating in APC, should first define its purpose adding all opposition parties can’t hold a ‘grand’ conference just to condemn hike in power and gas prices. Similarly purpose of the meeting should not be to topple the government. “We are democratic forces and need to focus on serious issues,” the senior leader stated requesting anonymity.

“Establishment meddling in country’s democratic system and certain forces using accountability as tool to victimise a few, can be discussed during the conference,” he said adding other major objective besides discussing these issues is to determine a way out of this quicksand.

The senior leader further said whatever is decided in the APC, all parties should then have the courage to follow it and gear up for a common fight. “The APC should produce a road map similar to Charter of Democracy as the PMLN wants to participate in such an arrangement only”.

Meanwhile, former provincial law minister and PML-N leader Rana Sana Ullah however said consultation were still going on in the party regarding who will lead the party in APC. He said Fazl has specifically requested Sharif to lead our delegation while party believes, it is better for Chairman Raja Zafar Ul Haq to lead the delegation since Shehbaz Sharif is in NAB custody.



“Despite being the ultimate authority in PML-N, Sharif does not hold any official position of the party,” he said adding that Sharif leading party delegation could draw unnecessary criticism.

The PML-N MNA further divulged the JUI-F chief is insistent for Sharif to lead the group and disclosed the PPP delegation would likely be headed by their leader meaning either Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari or Co-chairman Zardari or both.

JUI-F Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman also on Friday met Opposition Leader Punjab Hamza Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the political situation of the country. The two leaders discussed the dynamics of the APC.