ISLAMABAD: Despite efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the ruling coalition to convince Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s party to become part of a potential dialogue with the PTI, the JUI-F continues to oppose the move.
Almost all parties in the ruling coalition have shown an inclination to end the political impasse by entering into negotiations with the PTI, but Dawn has learned that JUI-F is proving to be a tougher nut to crack in spite of efforts, particularly by the PPP leadership.
Another round of intra-coalition talks will be held on Wednesday (today), as confirmed by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The meeting, to be chaired by PM Shehbaz, would discuss the possibility of talks with the opposition PTI, the Supreme Court verdict, and the date of the Punjab polls set by the top court.
However, it will be an uphill task for the prime minister to convince the chief of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Although the Maulana had categorically announced that he would not join the dialogue with the PTI, his party would also meet coalition partners at 2pm today.
JUI-F spokesman Aslam Ghauri told Dawn that in the meeting, the party leadership would discuss the behaviour of the judiciary and the option of talks with PTI.
He, however, added that the JUI-F chief has “decided not to sit in talks with Imran Khan-led PTI, even if the government goes ahead with the dialogue” as mandated by the top court.
Asked what would be the reaction of the JUI-F in case a dialogue was held, the spokesperson said, “In that case, we will decide our future line of action.”
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also corroborated this, saying the JUI-F had not agreed to talks with the PTI.
