PTI invites JUI-F to join opposition alliance

ISLAMABAD:

Imran Khan's PTI has invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman's JUI-F to join a grand opposition alliance—Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan—formed last year with the aim of protecting the sanctity of the Constitution.

The invitation was extended during a meeting between a PTI delegation and the JUI-F chief at his residence in the federal capital. The PTI delegation was led by Omar Ayub and included Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Hamid Raza, and Akhunzada Yousufzai.

In the meeting, the two parties agreed to form a committee comprising PTI's Asad Qaiser and JUI-F's Senator Kamran Murtaza.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Omar Ayub said that they had visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman to strengthen democracy. He mentioned that PTI workers are still being arrested and that during recent negotiations, the government had not accepted any of their demands.

Omar also said the government had promised to arrange a private meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, who is incarcerated in Adiala Jail, but it failed to do so. He added that authorities had conducted a raid at Hamid Raza's residence during the talks.

PTI's General Secretary Salman Akram Raja said they informed Maulana Fazlur Rehman about the ongoing negotiations, which were called on Tuesday, and discussed the government's intentions.

During a media briefing, JUI-F spokesperson Senator Kamran Murtaza said that PTI leaders were warmly welcomed by him and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. "Detailed discussions took place regarding the appointment of the CEC and two members. Election interference should come to an end," he added.

He also announced that a two-member temporary committee had been formed, consisting of Asad Qaiser and himself, to oversee the current developments.