A key JUI-F leader has categorically stated that his party is neither going to join the PML-N led coalition government in the centre nor is going to support.
"The government wishes for the JUI-F to join the coalition government or at least support it. However, the question of joining the government or supporting it does not arise," said Hafiz Hamdullah while speaking to the host of Express New programme Centre Stage on Saturday.
"The JUI-F will neither join the government nor will support it," he added.
The JUI-F leader made the statement a day after Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and some of his key cabinet members called on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad.
The meeting followed President Asif Ali Zardari's August 24 encounter with Fazl, which occurred against the backdrop of the ruling coalition's plans to introduce significant legislation in the National Assembly and Senate.
Hafiz Hamdullah clarified that the position the JUI-F held after the July 2018 general elections remains unchanged today. "We stand firm on our stance, and we believe that the 2024 election was not an election but an auction."
He said he was not part of the Friday meeting between Fazl and PM Shehbaz and the earlier meeting between the JUI-F chief and President Zardari.
In response to a question from programme anchor Rehman Azhar, he stated that it is the government that should be questioned about what compels them to approach Fazl.
"Our doors are open for everyone, whether it's Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, or PTI; everyone will be treated with respect."
In response to another question, Hamdullah said there are rumors circulating about the JUI-F possible support for new legislation being introduced by the government but the truth has not yet come to light.
"Once the facts are clear, the JUI-F will present its stance. We cannot give our position on the legislation before its details are known, and a decision will be made once the legislation is introduced," he added.
A source within the JUI-F had told The Express Tribune that the purpose of these high-profile visits is to keep the JUI-F and the PTIcurrently in talks to create a front against the governmentapart.
The source said that, although the tone and tenure of the discussions may differ, discouraging a potential PTI-JUI-F alliance has been a central theme.
The government side subtly conveyed that it would prefer the JUI-F to be seated on the treasury benches. However, Maulana reportedly responded that "it is all because of their kindness" that the JUI-F is not part of the government, he said.
Fazl, who led the PDM that formed a government after the PTI's ouster through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, became disillusioned with his former allies after the February 8 general elections, which he claimed were heavily rigged.
Since then, the JUI-F and PTIonce adversarieshave grown closer, with the JUI-F even announcing a protest movement against the "fake government."
Sources said the government is reportedly concerned about a potential JUI-F-PTI collaboration, fearing that the same tactics used against the PTI cannot be employed against the JUI-F.
They believe that any mistreatment of Maulana akin to that of PTI founder Imran Khan would provoke a strong reaction, which is why they are trying to bring him back into the fold.
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