Fazl Demands Guarantees Before Joining Opposition Alliance

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed on Wednesday that he is seeking guarantees from the PTI before joining their opposition alliance, the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP).

Fazl questioned who the opposition should negotiate with— the prime minister, president, or army chief.

Read more: Fazl Observes System Crumbling Amid Establishment Interference

In a joint press conference with PTI leaders in Islamabad, Fazl acknowledged efforts to persuade his party to join the alliance but said no decision had been made yet.

When asked if JUI-F had sought guarantees before starting an anti-government movement, Fazl affirmed, stating that trust-building measures are necessary for serious negotiations.

He condemned the police raid on PTI central spokesperson Raoof Hasan’s office, criticizing the failure to arrest the attackers.

Fazl welcomed PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Asad Qaiser, who visited for goodwill and expressed a desire to reduce bitterness through meetings.

Fazl lamented the loss of significance of the Constitution and parliament, and the failure of democracy. He also criticized ongoing military operations and the resulting increase in terrorism, citing a recent drone attack on civilians and long-standing protests at the Chaman border.

Highlighting the plight of daily wage earners and business owners affected by these issues, Fazl emphasized the need for unity on common issues and the possibility of softening differences.

PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub thanked Fazl and reiterated the opposition’s commitment to the Constitution under Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain, a cause championed by PTI founder Imran Khan. Ayub criticized the lack of constitutional governance in Pakistan and condemned the police raid on their office.

PTI leader Hammad Azhar called for the government to address the legitimate demands of Chaman protesters and criticized the sealing of the Quetta Press Club. Azhar emphasized that democracy strengthens the country and decried the undemocratic actions at play.

Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity for the supremacy of the Constitution and condemning recent attacks on the judiciary.

In response to a question, Ayub opposed the Punjab government’s defamation bill and vowed to challenge it in court, reaffirming Imran Khan’s unwavering stance despite imprisonment.