New government: JUI-F still undecided on joining PML-N

JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman said the party leaders are still discussing options.

ISLAMABAD: The Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is yet to come to a decision regarding joining Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) in the centre. Express News had earlier missreported that the party had joined the PML-N led coalition.

Addressing the media after a meeting, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman said the party leaders are still discussing the options.

The meeting is still in the initial stages, said PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq, who joined JUI-F meeting with a delegation.

“We are serious about the country. We don’t have desire for power. Coming to power is a responsibility,” said Rehman.

JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had called a meeting with party leaders to reach a decision about joining PML-N or sitting in the opposition benches, earlier on Saturday.

On Wednesday, JUI-F had announced it would stage protests across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on May 17 against alleged rigging during elections. However, Shahbaz Sharif met Rehman on Thursday and reportedly put forward a formal invitation for the JUI-F to ally with the PML-N to form a coalition government in the centre and Balochistan.

On May 17, JUI-F Balochistan chief Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani announced that his party will join the PML-N to form the next Balochistan government.