On Wednesday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) firmly stated its disinterest in aligning with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to establish a government, citing belated recognition of the true nature of the Nawaz Sharif-led party. Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, a leader of JUI-F, emphasized that despite Ishaq Dar’s assertion of delayed outreach, their acknowledgment of PML-N’s essence came too late. This statement followed a meeting between JUI-F Secretary-General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and former finance minister Dar, during which Haideri proposed a coalition government in Balochistan, a revelation sourced from inside accounts.
However, Dar disclosed that PML-N had already agreed to a power-sharing arrangement with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Balochistan, precluding any further collaboration with JUI-F. Despite Haideri’s suggestion of a coalition, Dar rebuffed, expressing regret over JUI-F’s tardiness. He remarked on previous attempts to engage JUI-F, culminating in an accord with PPP.
Ahmed reiterated JUI-F’s reluctance to partake in Balochistan’s governance, expressing surprise at Haideri’s meeting with Dar despite the party’s stance. He underscored the continued existence of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), lamenting the marginalization of JUI-F leadership in significant decisions.
Fazl’s statements made things difficult already
Refusing to recognize the February 8 elections, JUI-F Emir Fazl alleged electoral manipulation leading to their defeat in multiple constituencies. In an unexpected turn, Fazl engaged with rival PTI leaders, discussing joint protests against purported electoral malpractices.
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Additionally, Fazl asserted that the no-confidence motion against PTI founder Imran Khan in March 2022 was orchestrated by former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa with support from various parties, including PPP and PML-N.
Attributing the alleged rigging in the general elections to the former generals and their regime, Fazl emphasized the need to relegate such matters to history rather than engaging in prolonged debate. He asserted that when political, economic, and defense instability arose during the PTI government, the two generals began seeking ways to stabilize the situation by engaging with politicians.
Expressing his discontent with the military’s historical involvement in politics, Fazl called for an end to such practices. Responding to challenges to make allegations under oath, he criticized the military’s own disregard for their oaths, particularly regarding non-interference in politics.