Sanaullah says Fazl unlikely to be influenced by 'disruptive' group

PML-N leader says IMF's conditions stringent, however, friendly countries helped to bring relief through budget

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's political advisor and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah, stated that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is unlikely to be influenced by any "disruptive group."

As per sources on June 10, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and JUI-F, erstwhile rivals in the political arena, seemed to be on the brink of burying the hatchet and joining hands against the government.

It was revealed that the former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan gave his word to address the concerns of Fazl, while a three-member committee has also been formed and tasked with ironing out differences between the two parties.

He urged the nation to pray for the country to avoid any further crises.

Speaking to the media in Faisalabad after Eid prayers on Monday, Sanaullah assured that the Parliament would pass the budget by June 30, with thorough discussions before its approval.

He mentioned that while the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) conditions were stringent, assistance from friendly countries has provided some relief.

The senior PML-N leader expressed hope that this would be the final IMF programme, allowing Pakistan to create its budget independently in the future.

Sanaullah highlighted efforts to reduce government expenses, noting that the premier has given a one-month timeframe after which he will address the nation.

The advisor also noted that the country's economy is on a path to stability, with a reduction in the prices of essential goods. He emphasised that the benefits of economic improvements are reaching the common man and pointed out the significant decrease in petroleum product prices implemented by the government.

It is reported that allegations of election rigging in the February 8 general elections seem to have brought PTI and JUI-F closer together, surprising many who had not anticipated such a thaw in their relations. Meetings between delegations from both parties have been reported several times.