Forging alliances: JUI-F hints at tripartite cooperation in K-P

Says the party is discussing seat adjustments with PML-N, QWP.

PESHAWAR:

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Wednesday implied talks over seat adjustment with Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) could lead to a tripartite electoral cooperation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Addressing a press conference at a local hotel, JUI-F provincial deputy amir Maulana Attaur Rehman said the party was engaged in negotiations with PML-N after overcoming an earlier deadlock. He promised “good news” in the coming days.



Rehman said they have already agreed on seat-adjustments with QWP in Swabi district. “JUI-F will stun all the parties on May 11, not only in this province, but all over the country. Parties that are making tall claims will be stupefied,” he claimed, adding the party will enforce Sharia law once elected.

PML-N’s Youth Wing General Secretary Syed Habib Ali Shah also announced his decision to join JUI-F on the occasion.

Shah said his former party awarded him a ticket for PK-81, but later took back its decision and gave the ticket to Shehryar Amirzeb instead. “Previously, JUI-F was winning two to three seats from Swat, now they will win at least five to six,” asserted the hopeful representative.

Earlier, JUI-F said their talks with PML-N have been halted for the time being over “reluctance of seat-adjustments in Punjab even after six rounds (of talks).”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2013.