PTI-JUI Divide Deepens Despite Efforts to Reconcile

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — The divide between the PTI and JUI-F has widened, with leaders from Imran Khan’s party increasingly doubtful about a joint struggle with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s religio-political outfit.

Ayub emphasized that the Maulana had his own political party, and if he chose not to align with the PTI, it was his decision.

Initially, PTI had hoped to win over the veteran politician, using support from their allies in the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aayen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance. However, tensions have risen over the question of whether Imran Khan was willing to negotiate with the establishment for his release, which seems to have strained ties between the two parties.

Recently, PTI leader Azam Swati, who has a history with JUI-F, claimed he had Imran Khan’s approval to approach the establishment for talks. While some PTI leaders, like Salman Akram Raja and Omar Ayub, denied this, the JUI-F demanded clarity from PTI.

On the other hand, Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent statements suggested a softening of tensions. Speaking at a press conference alongside Jamaat-i-Islami chief in Mansoora, the Maulana expressed a willingness to engage with the PTI for political dialogue and national discussions.

He clarified that while the JUI-F had political differences with the PPP and PML-N, it didn’t equate to personal enmity. “Similarly, we want our relations with the PTI to be cordial enough for political dialogue,” he said.

However, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza stated that the party sought clear answers from PTI regarding their intentions. He said that if PTI was leaning towards engaging with the establishment, JUI-F might reconsider its participation in any opposition alliance.

“The JUI-F might not join the opposition alliance if PTI decides to engage with the establishment,” Senator Murtaza warned, adding that any potential alliance between the two parties would require decisions to be made through consensus and respect for party discipline.

On Monday, Ayub denied the notion that PTI was pursuing talks with the establishment, insisting that no such dialogue was taking place. However, he confirmed that any future decisions would involve input from all parties in the TTAP alliance, led by PkMAP’s Mehmood Khan Achakzai.

Ayub declined to clarify with whom these talks would occur, leaving the situation uncertain.

Source: Web Desk