The recent JUI-F and PTI Alliance Efforts Derail as a significant dispute emerged over the issue of assembly resignations. The breakdown in negotiations came after JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman claimed that PTI had agreed to dissolve the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly to push for early elections. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan quickly refuted these claims, asserting that no such agreement had been made.
These two major political rivals have been engaged in discussions aimed at forming an alliance against the ruling PML-N and other influential stakeholders. Both parties had voiced concerns over the outcomes of the February 8, 2024 general elections, which fueled their desire for a strategic partnership.
Despite their deep-seated differences, both JUI-F and PTI leaders have held numerous meetings and established committees to outline the potential terms of their alliance.
In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan rejected Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s claim, clarifying that PTI had neither discussed resignations nor assembly dissolution with the JUI-F leader. “This statement from Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has severely disrupted the ongoing talks,” a senior JUI-F leader told. “This one statement has undermined the progress made in several previous meetings.”
The JUI-F leader further explained that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statement cast doubt on his credibility, suggesting either a deliberate misquote or a false claim for political advantage. He emphasized that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s reputation and political career had always been characterized by honesty. This controversy has raised concerns about PTI’s reliability and has set back the negotiation process.
Despite these challenges, the JUI-F remains hopeful for a resolution. The party believes that finding common ground with PTI is essential if they are to effectively challenge the ruling coalition.
In the meantime, JUI-F has issued an official statement following an internal meeting of party leaders designated to negotiate with PTI. The meeting, chaired by Senator Kamran Murtaza, included key figures such as Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Aslam Ghauri, Maulana Amjad Khan, and Mufti Fazal Ghafoor.
According to JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri , the committee discussed the current political climate and considered procedural aspects for negotiating with PTI. Aslam Ghauri acknowledged the value of maintaining positive relations between the two parties and confirmed that the committee finalized proposals for review by JUI-F Chief upon his return from abroad.
The longstanding rivalry between PTI and JUI-F has often been marked by public criticism and conflict. Historically, PTI leaders have criticized Maulana Fazl Rehman, referring to him derogatorily and accusing him of corruption. Conversely, Maulana Fazl Rehman has disparaged PTI’s public demonstrations, calling them disrespectful and objecting to aspects such as women’s participation.
Despite their turbulent past, both parties are now exploring the possibility of an alliance, reminiscent of previous collaborations like the one between PML-N and JUI-F against the PTI government.
