Misgivings stall JUI-F, PTI rapprochement

JUI-F rules out joining TTAP movement, for now

LAHORE:

The JUI-F will not become part of any joint movement with the TTAP till past misgivings between them and the PTI are not addressed, said a party official, as contrasting positions emerge from the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and the JUI-F on joint movement.

Two meetings - one informal interaction in parliament and another formal gathering at Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence with Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai—have sparked speculation about a broader alliance against the PML-N-led government.

The opposition alliance led by TTAP and its key stakeholder the PTI - excluding the JUI-F - has already announced a campaign against the recent surge in inflation and petrol prices earlier this week, and it plans to reach out to other opposition parties, including the JUI-F, to launch a joint movement.

TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Hussain told The Express Tribune that overall economic and security issues were discussed during the meeting at Maulana's residence.

He said there was consensus between the two sides on launching a movement against inflation, the ECP, and the proposed 28th Amendment and added that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has requested time to discuss the proposals with senior party leadership.

JUI-F spokesman Aslam Ghauri, however, denied that any talks on a joint movement took place during Mehmood Khan Achakzai's recent visit, insisting it was meant solely to offer condolences over the killing of JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Idrees. He said political matters were discussed, but not a joint movement.

He said the JUI-F would not join any movement with the PTI until outstanding issues were resolved, noting that PTI had participated in consultations and exchanged proposals on the 26th Amendment but later disowned the process after its passage. "How we can trust them after this."

He said the PTI had repeatedly floated the idea of a joint movement, but without any concrete plan. In view of this, he said, the JUI-F is pressing ahead with its own movement, "Awan Nahi Maidan", and will stage a rally in Karachi against inflation and law and order issues.

He said the JUI-F chief is planning a visit to Balochistan after Eid, noting that Maulana Fazlur Rehman holds Mehmood Khan Achakzai in high esteem and enjoys cordial ties with him. He added that any formal proposal from Achakzai would be considered after the JUI-F lays down its own terms of reference (TORs).

When contacted again for clarification amid JUI-F's dispute over the meeting's purpose and the proposal for a movement, TTAP spokesperson Hussain expressed surprise, saying the JUI-F spokesperson may not be aware of the full details. He maintained that the meeting went beyond a condolence call and had a broader scope.

When contacted to share TTAP's stance on the issue, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said his position on a joint movement remains the same, irrespective of TTAP's assertions.