Maulana arrives in Karachi on eve of PM vote

Fazl dashes PML-N’s hopes of winning his support

KARACHI:

Despite PML-N dropping hints of ‘good news’, it became evident on Saturday that all efforts to win over JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had fallen flat as he took the high road to Karachi, dashing all hopes of hopping on the bandwagon of the incoming government.

The former ally, unswayed, arrived in Karachi, resolute in his decision to steer clear of the government handcrafted by the PML-N, the PPP and other allied parties in the wake of the February 8 general elections that saw the Maulana tasting humiliating defeat.

The JUI-F emir’s departure came on the eve of the prime ministerial election scheduled for Sunday (today), where PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif is poised to secure the coveted position, a former ally he had supported assume the mantle of the coveted position in 2022.

However, Fazl's party, determined to stay in the opposition trenches, has staunchly rejected the February 8 election results, and is showing no inclination to throw its weight behind the coalition.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman touched down in Karachi for JUI-F Sindh's meeting in Korangi on Sunday (today).

Deputy Secretary Information of JUI Sindh, Maulana Samiul Haq Swati, along with Rashid Mehmood Soomro, the general secretary of the Sindh chapter, and other leaders warmly welcomed the chief for his three-day visit to the metropolis.

Swati disclosed that the "important" meeting will assemble members from all districts of JUI Sindh, where Maulana Fazlur Rehman will deliver a crucial address on the subject of election rigging.

Highlighting the significance of the gathering, Swati mentioned that Maulana Fazlur Rehman will provide instructions to JUI Sindh officials. Additionally, Fazl is slated to conduct a press conference addressing pertinent matters.

The development came hot on the heels of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's visit to the Maulana's Islamabad residence, seeking support for the upcoming coalition government. JUI-F had earlier abstained during the National Assembly's speaker and deputy speaker voting.

The meeting had taken place a day after PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah's futile attempt to sway Fazl, failing to secure JUI-F's backing for the PML-N-led coalition.