ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema Islam chief Fazlur Rehman confirmed that the opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tafaquz, is seeking a guarantee from Tehreek-e-Insaf to adhere to the Constitution of Pakistan. He questioned with whom to negotiate: the Prime Minister, the President, or the Army Chief.
During a joint press conference with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leaders, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated that while they have not yet decided to join the opposition alliance, efforts to persuade them are ongoing. When asked if they requested any guarantees from PTI to initiate an anti-government movement, Fazlur Rehman affirmed that serious negotiations require measures to build trust.
Regarding the negotiations, he inquired about the appropriate person to talk to, questioning if it should be the Prime Minister, the President, or the Army Chief. He condemned the attack on PTI’s central spokesperson, Rauf Hassan, criticizing the police for attacking Tehreek-e-Insaf again and raiding their office instead of arresting the attackers.
The JUI chief acknowledged a goodwill visit from opposition members Umar Ayub and Asad Qaiser, welcoming their sentiment that meetings should occur and bitterness should be reduced. Fazlur Rehman criticized the current state of the Constitution, Parliament, and democracy in Pakistan. He pointed out the ongoing operation against terrorism, noting its inefficacy and increased terror attacks. He highlighted the prolonged sit-in at the Chaman border, which has disrupted local businesses, and similar issues in South Waziristan and Jamrod.
Fazlur Rehman emphasized the need for commonality in their stance and the possibility of softening differences if they cannot be eliminated.
PTI’s Secretary General, Umar Ayub, expressed appreciation for the open-hearted reception from Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his colleagues, emphasizing the need to continue the dialogue. He mentioned the nationwide initiative, Tehreek Tahafuz Ain, aimed at addressing the lack of constitutional adherence in Pakistan.
Hamad Azhar described a police raid at the PTI office during a press conference and urged the government to reconsider their legitimate demands, mentioning specific incidents in Chaman and Quetta. He stressed the importance of democracy for the country’s strength and condemned the presence of undemocratic forces.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser thanked Maulana for the warm welcome and highlighted the struggles of farmers in Punjab and the economic issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He called for unity across all classes to uphold the Constitution and condemned the attack on Rauf Hassan, questioning the state of law in the country.
Umar Ayub also mentioned opposition to the defamation bill proposed by the Punjab government, indicating plans to challenge it in court, asserting that such actions will be met with resistance.
