Fazl confirms JUI-F in talks with PTI

Says things cannot be resolved overnight as they have opposed each other for 12 years

LAHORE:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has disclosed that discussions are underway with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), hinting at a possible thaw in relations despite a history of bitter rivalry.

Speaking after a visit to the veteran politician and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, the Maulana confirmed the talks with the PTI.

During his visit to the ailing politician's residence, Fazl discussed the current political scenario.

The development comes amid the shrinking gulf between PTI and JUI-F – both stung by the results of contentious February 8 elections – opening a potentially united front against the current ruling coalition.

Both have been reportedly engaging in talks to find a common ground to up the ante against the ruling PML-N, the party they allege won the polls through rigging.

Speaking on Tuesday, the JUI-F chief also expressed uncertainty about whether the government would be able to complete its full term.

"I'm not a fortune teller to predict if the government will complete its term, but this parliament does not represent the people," he said.

However, commenting on the talks with PTI, Fazl said, "We have opposed each other for 12 years; things cannot be resolved overnight".

While he acknowledged the challenges in Balochistan, he deferred to security agencies for a clearer understanding of the situation, adding that local resources should benefit the local population.

Addressing the aftermath of the May 9 events, he asserted that it was up to the state institutions to make decisions. He also noted President Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit, mentioning that they met as "brothers," although Zardari's health remains a concern.

The meeting with Chaudhry Shujaat took a lighter turn as the PML-Q leader served sweets in celebration of the Supreme Court's August 22 decision in the Mubarak Sani case, and congratulated Fazlur Rehman on the success related to Khatam-e-Nabuwwat.

Shujaat, acknowledging their long-standing relationship, recalled the deep ties between their families, which have endured since the days of Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi and Maulana Mufti Mahmood, Fazlur Rehman's father.

JUI-F Deputy Secretary Information Maulana Amjad Khan said that the entire proceedings of the 1974 National Assembly resolution (declaring Ahmadis to be non-Muslims) now compiled into five volumes, would soon be sent to the veteran politician.

The meeting concluded with prayers for Chaudhry Shujaat's complete recovery, attended by Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafi Hussain, former federal minister Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghori, and others.