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A possible new channel for ending the political deadlock between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged on Thursday. The government said Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was willing to help revive dialogue.
However, opposition leaders have made any negotiations conditional on a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan.
The government’s negotiating committee submitted a report to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about its meeting with Fazlur Rehman. Government sources said the JUI-F chief was prepared to play a conciliatory role in resolving differences between the government and PTI.
Sources added that Fazlur Rehman had indicated that stalled negotiations could resume. He reportedly advised the government to pursue a settlement through dialogue and mutual understanding.
He also cautioned against imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the sources.
The committee briefed the prime minister on the conditions Fazlur Rehman had proposed for mediation. It also conveyed a special message from the JUI-F chief.
A telephone conversation between Shehbaz Sharif and Fazlur Rehman is expected soon, sources said.
The government delegation included National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
However, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) spokesperson Akhundzada Hussain disputed reports that Fazlur Rehman had entered the process as a mediator.
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He described the reports as “a story spun by the government or pro-government media house.” He also denied any contact with the JUI-F chief beyond an earlier meeting.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Akhundzada said neither PTI nor TTAP had received any communication about a renewed mediation effort by late Thursday.
He said PTI leaders Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar and Asad Qaiser had denied being approached by Fazlur Rehman. They also denied holding an internal meeting on the matter.
However, Barrister Gohar expressed hope that Fazlur Rehman could play a positive role in negotiations.
Akhundzada said PTI and TTAP had met the JUI-F chief to discuss the proposed All Parties Conference (APC) and its agenda.
PTI MNA Junaid Akbar said the party remained open to Fazlur Rehman helping resolve the political deadlock.
Speaking on a private news channel on Thursday evening, Akbar said Fazlur Rehman had been in contact with PTI leaders and wanted to help end the stalemate, subject to the party’s agreement.
“We are political people, and we understand that the issue can be solved with dialogue,” Akbar said.
He stressed that the purpose of any initiative should be dialogue rather than an attempt to trap PTI.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas discussed negotiations and the proposed APC during a telephone conversation.
Sources said Achakzai contacted Raja Nasir Abbas from Quetta. The two leaders discussed their strategy for negotiations and the proposed conference.
They also agreed to make talks with the government conditional on a meeting with Imran Khan, according to the sources.
The political developments coincided with another phase of PTI’s long march in Peshawar.
Mobile and cellular internet services had remained suspended in several areas of the provincial capital for two days. The disruption affected routine activities, businesses and offices.
A post on PTI’s official X account said the convoy had reached the toll plaza. The party also shared pictures showing supporters gathered to welcome the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister.
“God-willing, by the time it reaches Swabi, this caravan will become the largest long march in Pakistan’s history,” PTI said.
Addressing supporters at the toll plaza, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi urged them to remain determined in their “struggle for true freedom”.
Sources said mobile services were likely to be restored after the long march moved towards Charsadda.
[…] Fazlur Rehman May Help Revive Government-PTI Talks as Opposition Seeks Imran Khan Meeting […]