PTI reaches out to JI

Pledges to 'continue struggle for democracy'

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) affirmed their commitment on Saturday to the "struggle for democracy" during a telephonic conversation between PTI leader Asad Qaiser and acting JI emir Liaquat Baloch on Saturday.

In the discussion, PTI leader Asad Qaiser emphasised the importance of moving forward by resolving misunderstandings. He stated, "In the past, there were confusions in line with the contacts."Meanwhile, Liaquat Baloch acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices made by PTI workers, asserting, "The JI is dedicated to upholding the law, constitution, and democracy.

"He emphasised the necessity of overcoming bilateral differences and advancing towards economic and political stability.It is noteworthy that Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) had previously rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) proposal for forming a coalition government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), JI’s Central Naib Ameer Liaqat Baloch disclosed that following the February 8 elections, PTI approached JI to discuss a joint strategy for government formation.

The statement clarified that upon consultation with the central leadership, a committee was formed, comprising the party’s K-P chief, Prof Muhammad Ibrahim, and Deputy Emir Inayatullah Khan, under the leadership of Liaquat Baloch.

Furthermore, the statement conveyed JI's concerns regarding the election process, denouncing any deliberate alteration of poll results as detrimental to the country and democracy."JI has determined that forming a coalition with PTI at the national level is in the national interest.

However, if PTI has altered its stance, they are free to collaborate with any party they choose in K-P," Baloch affirmed.The development came a day after JI acting emir Liaqat Baloch refuted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan's assertion that JI was on the verge of forming an electoral alliance with PTI post-Feb 8 elections but withdrew due to 'pressure'.

Gohar, speaking to a private news channel on Thursday, claimed that the planned meeting between him, Liaquat Baloch, and other leaders of both parties did not materialize as JI leaders were "under pressure".

However, Baloch countered on Friday that his party faced no such 'pressure' regarding discussions with PTI after the general elections.

He stated that JI aimed for a nationwide alliance, whereas PTI's interest lay solely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.