Differences in JI over alliance with PTI

Central leader, K-P provincial chief disagree over coalition issue

PESHAWAR:

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Jamat-e-Islami (JI) faces internal discord regarding the inclusion of PTI-backed independent candidates into the JI fold in the provincial assembly.

Central Naib Amir of JI, Liaqat Baloch, affirmed this alliance, while the K-P Provincial Amir, Professor Muhammad Ibrahim, refuted it.

Liaqat Baloch stated that JI had been in communication with PTI, aiming for an alliance to form the provincial government. He expressed JI’s willingness to welcome PTI-backed independent candidates.

Conversely, Professor Ibrahim asserted there was no alliance with PTI, criticizing the ethical implications of using JI’s name without consensus.

This divergence in opinion among the JI leadership, as reflected in contrasting statements from the central and provincial tiers of the party, underscores the complexity of coalition-building and the intricacies of political alliances in the region.

Baloch’s statement highlights JI’s proactive engagement with PTI and its readiness to embrace potential allies from within PTI’s support base.

Ibrahim’s position underscores a more cautious approach, expressing skepticism regarding the reported collaboration and raising ethical concerns about the unauthorized use of JI’s name in conjunction with PTI without formal consensus within the party.

Read JI confirms contact with PTI over possible government formation

Baloch had a telephonic conversation with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Senator Azam Swati in this regard, following which JI gave its consent for unified action.

Amidst these divergent perspectives, the internal dynamics within JI are further complicated by recent electoral setbacks.

JI suffered significant setbacks in Tuesday’s recounting of votes, losing all three provincial assembly seats it initially secured in K-P. The recounting process, conducted in PK-20 Bajaur II, PK-21 Bajaur III, and Dir Lower, revealed a shifting political landscape, with PTI candidates emerging victorious in the aftermath of contested results.

In PK-20 Bajaur II and PK-21 Bajaur III, where JI candidates had initially clinched victory, the recounting of votes resulted in a reversal of fortunes, with PTI candidates securing the seats previously held by JI.

Similarly, in Dir Lower, JI’s candidate faced defeat in the recounting process, signaling a sobering reality for the party as it grapples with the implications of electoral setbacks and recalibrates its political strategy.

Meanwhile, the broader political landscape in Pakistan witnesses strategic maneuvering by PTI, as it seeks to consolidate its position and forge alliances to strengthen its grip on power.

PTI’s announcement of its intention to form governments in both the Centre and Punjab, alongside alliances with the Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) and JI in K-P, reflects a calculated approach to coalition-building aimed at maximizing political leverage and securing stability in governance.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th 2024.