Islamabad: In a bid to placate the former ally, former premier Nawaz Sharif on Friday engaged in talks with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with the PML-N clinging to a glimmer of hope even as the religio-political party stood firm on its decision to remain outside the government. Nawaz had a rendezvous with the Maulana at the latter’s residence in Islamabad to sway the former ally back into the folds of the coalition poised to take the lead at the Centre once again. Sources revealed that the meeting took place in two segments, initially involving a private one-on-one tête-à-tête lasting approximately half an hour. Subsequently, both Nawaz and Fazl joined the room where delegations from both the parties were seated. The JUI-F, adamant about assuming an opposition role, continues to contest the results of the Feb 8 elections, alleging rigging. News Desk
