In an apparent change of heart, the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), after playing hardball and signalling its intention to embrace the opposition benches, on Wednesday appeared to be swallowing its own words, eyeing a slice out of the power pie in the upcoming coalition setup crafted by the PML-N and the PPP.
Seemingly singing a different tune, the party engaged in discussions with PML-N leaders to explore the possibility of hitching a ride on the PPP-PML-N agreement bandwagon to establish a coalition government at the Centre.
According to reports, the party's delegation, led by Central Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, convened with Balochistan Awami Party's Mir Khalid Khan Magsi and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani to delve into the prevailing political landscape, particularly in Balochistan.
Meanwhile, inside sources revealed that during the meeting between PML-N leader Ishaq Dar and JUI-F's Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the latter extended an offer to form a coalition government in Balochistan. “The PML-N and the JUI-F can at least form a coalition government in Balochistan,” sources quoted Haideri as saying.
However, Dar conveyed that the PML-N had already solidified a power-sharing agreement with the PPP in the province. "We wanted to go together, but Maulana, you are too late," Dar responded, expressing frustration over unsuccessful attempts to engage with the JUI-F.
He informed Haideri that an agreement with the PPP had been reached, leaving the final decision regarding the JUI-F's offer to the party leadership. The development follows Maulana Fazl's bombshell claims, asserting that the no-confidence motion against PTI founder Imran Khan in March 2022 was orchestrated by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The claims put the JUI-F's former allies, PPP and PML-N, on the defensive, as they had consistently denied the PTI founder's allegations of engineered ouster. Following his refusal to accept the results of the February 8 elections, Maulana Fazl claimed that his party had been deliberately defeated in multiple constituencies through rigging and irregularities.
In an unexpected turn of events, he even held discussions with his arch-rivals from the PTI, contemplating joint protests against the alleged rigging in the elections. The JUI-F chief faced criticism from the PPP and PML-N for his claims, with both parties rejecting his allegations of rigging and the subsequent no-confidence motion.
'Baseless rumours'
However, PML-N's Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb refuted media reports about PML-N and JUI-F, dismissing them as baseless.
She emphasised the mutual respect and cooperation between the two parties and urged the media to refrain from speculating about their meetings.
A subsequent official statement from the PML-N clarified that, considering the challenges faced by Balochistan, a strong democratic government is imperative.
The meeting participants, recognising the need for various political forces to unite in Balochistan, affirmed their commitment to cooperation, as outlined in the official declaration.
PPP, PML-N forge coalition pact for Balochistan govt
In a related development, the PPP and the PML-N reached a consensus to establish a coalition government in Balochistan.
A key PPP leader in Balochistan confirmed to The Express Tribune that the PPP is set to claim the position of chief minister, while the governor's role will be handed over to the PML-N.
The distribution of portfolios between the two major political entities is pending, with the leader providing no further details.
"CM from PPP and Governor from PML N", he mentioned.
The next 24 hours are anticipated to be crucial as the nomination for the chief minister’s position in Balochistan is expected to be announced. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is slated to make the official announcement regarding the new CM from PPP.
Several notable figures are being considered for the chief ministerial role, including Mir Sadiq Umrani, a member of the PPP central executive committee, Nawab Sanaullah Zehri – who is also considered an ‘old jiyala’ – the former chief minister of Balochistan, and Sarfaraz Bugti, the former caretaker interior minister.
The potential candidates are vigorously vying for the coveted position.
Meanwhile, the former ruling party, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), is also expected to be part of the forthcoming coalition government in Balochistan.
Jam Kamal Khan, the former CM of Balochistan and a PML-N leader, recently met with Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, aiming to garner support from the BAP. Jam Kamal is considered a strong contender from the PML-N for the position of CM in Balochistan.
The PML-N has emerged as the second-largest parliamentary party in the Balochistan Assembly, boasting 13 lawmakers, while the PPP claims the top spot with 14 members in the house.
Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, the PML-N Balochistan president, expressed the party's strong desire to secure the CM position in Balochistan, citing robust representation in the assembly.
On the other hand, the Jamiat ul Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) with 11 lawmakers is yet to make a decision regarding government formation.
Sources within the JUI-F revealed that the party plans to sit on the opposition benches following the directives and decision of its chief, Maulana Fazalur Rehman.
The development came a day after a consensus was reached between the PML-N and the PPP to share power to form the next government, claiming a comfortable majority in the lower house of parliament to clinch the slot of the prime minister.
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