Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have initiated discussions to strengthen the opposition’s stance, despite existing differences and internal tensions.
A meeting took place at the Parliament Lodges, where PTI was represented by Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, while JUI-F’s delegation included Senator Kamran Murtaza and MNA Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri. Raja conveyed a message from PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, stressing the importance of unity against the government to uphold constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
However, JUI-F leaders presented the reservations of their party chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, before committing to any formal alliance. Discussions also revolved around coordinated parliamentary efforts on key national matters and legislative initiatives.
Although both parties have remained in contact in recent months, a formal working relationship has yet to materialize. To continue negotiations, a two-member committee comprising Qaiser and Murtaza has been formed.
Earlier in January, a PTI delegation officially invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman to join the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP). However, JUI-F outlined specific conditions, including concerns over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, before considering membership in the alliance.
PTI has been actively working to unite opposition forces ahead of a potential anti-government movement following Eid ul Fitr. The party launched TTAP in April 2024, bringing together various political groups such as the SIC, PkMAP, BNP-M, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen.
In February, TTAP leaders organized a two-day conference, attributing the country’s economic, political, and social turmoil to the February 8 general elections. The opposition called for the repeal of amendments that conflict with constitutional principles and condemned alleged human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law.
Meanwhile, tensions have emerged within the opposition following Gandapur’s controversial remarks about Fazl, which have drawn strong reactions from JUI-F. The party warned that such statements could hinder efforts to build a cooperative relationship. JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah criticized Gandapur’s comments, arguing that they were undermining PTI’s attempts to form a broader opposition alliance.
During a recent television interview, Gandapur dismissed Fazl’s influence, suggesting that the opposition must engage with all parties, regardless of their size. His remarks have further complicated the relationship between PTI and JUI-F as negotiations for a unified opposition front continue.
