Capital abuzz with political activity

Bilawal-Dar, Vawda-Fazl meetings leave pundits puzzled

ISLAMABAD:

After taking a center stage in the run-up to the passage of the 26th amendment, Maulana Fazlur Rehman is once again in the spotlight as the JUI-F chief held back-to-back meetings with PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-N's Rana Sanaullah and Senator Faisal Vawda. The flurry of political activity is hinting that something significant is brewing.

A day after Bilawal met Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar headed to Zardari House in the capital to address reservations of the key ally and decide how the parties will bridge the gap.

During the meeting, Dar assured Bilawal that PML-N would address PPP's grievances at the earliest. Subsequently, both sides agreed in the meeting that "the PPP and government committees will meet to resolve the issues between the PPP and the government." Former prime minister, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and CM Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, were also present in the meeting.

Bilawal and Dar have met days after both PPP and PML-N formed their committees to address their issues. Both sides formed the committees after Bilawal's public expression of frustration over the federal government's governance style and failure to respect coalition agreements.

On Wednesday, Senator Faisal Vawda and PML-N stalwart Rana Sanaullah met Maulana Fazlur Rehman separately at the latter's residence in the federal capital.

During the meeting, Vawda expressed strong support for JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, stating that he would stand by the JUI-F leader on the issue of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Speaking to the media alongside Senator Kamran Murtaza after a meeting with Rehman, Vawda described his political approach as direct, saying, "My mindset is exactly like that of the tribes; I maintain open friendships and enmities."

Vawda stated that despite differences in political stance, he and his colleagues would not align with any opposition to Rehman, but would stand united with him on key issues. He mentioned that the discussion with the JUI-F chief revolved around religious seminaries and other political concerns.

Praising Rehman's role and political foresight, he stated that his efforts to reduce political division and instability in the country have been significant. At a time of political unrest in the country, he highlighted the need for everyone to contribute to creating unity and stability.

Vawda also spoke about the importance of moving forward under democratic principles and creating a situation of consensus for Pakistan's growth. He said that while political opposition is natural, it should not lead to division and chaos.

He further stressed that he was focused on protecting Imran Khan's life, stating, "I am doing all this to save Imran Khan's life. My only concern is to ensure his safety from any potential harm, particularly from his party's internal threats." Later on, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah reached Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence.