LAHORE: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has clarified that it will not participate in any joint movement with the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) until past misunderstandings between the TTAP and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are resolved. This statement comes as contrasting positions emerge between the TTAP and the JUI-F regarding a potential unified opposition campaign.
Meetings Spark Speculation
Two recent meetings—an informal interaction in parliament and a formal gathering at Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence with Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai—have fueled speculation about a broader alliance against the PML-N-led government. The TTAP-led opposition alliance, which includes the PTI but excludes the JUI-F, has already announced a campaign against rising inflation and petrol prices. It plans to reach out to other opposition parties, including the JUI-F, to launch a joint movement.
TTAP's Perspective
TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Hussain told The Express Tribune that the meeting at Maulana's residence discussed overall economic and security issues. He claimed there was consensus on launching a movement against inflation, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and the proposed 28th Amendment. Hussain added that Maulana Fazlur Rehman requested time to discuss the proposals with senior party leadership.
JUI-F's Denial and Conditions
However, JUI-F spokesman Aslam Ghauri denied that any talks on a joint movement took place during Achakzai's visit, insisting it was solely a condolence call for the killing of JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Idrees. While acknowledging that political matters were discussed, Ghauri emphasized that no joint movement was on the agenda. He stated that the JUI-F would not join any movement involving the PTI until outstanding issues are resolved. Ghauri pointed out that the PTI had participated in consultations on the 26th Amendment but later disowned the process after its passage, questioning, "How can we trust them after this?" He noted that the PTI has repeatedly proposed a joint movement without a concrete plan.
JUI-F's Own Movement
In light of this, the JUI-F is pressing ahead with its own campaign, "Awan Nahi Maidan," and will stage a rally in Karachi against inflation and law and order issues. Ghauri mentioned that Maulana Fazlur Rehman plans to visit Balochistan after Eid, adding that the JUI-F chief holds Mehmood Khan Achakzai in high esteem and maintains cordial ties. Any formal proposal from Achakzai would be considered after the JUI-F establishes its own terms of reference (TORs).
Conflicting Accounts
When contacted for clarification amid the dispute over the meeting's purpose, TTAP spokesperson Hussain expressed surprise, suggesting that the JUI-F spokesperson may not be fully aware of the details. He maintained that the meeting had a broader scope beyond a condolence call. In response, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri reiterated that his position on a joint movement remains unchanged, regardless of TTAP's assertions.
