The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has dismissed media reports suggesting that its leadership, under Maulana Fazlur Rehman, was planning a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Recent reports circulating in various media outlets had claimed that JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza was set to meet the imprisoned PTI leader, allegedly with court approval, to discuss strategies for challenging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s federal government.
A spokesperson from the JUI-F, however, labeled these reports as mere “rumors” and clarified that Senator Murtaza had not been assigned any such task. Despite rejecting the possibility of a meeting in jail, the spokesperson acknowledged the importance of a fair trial for Imran Khan in the ongoing legal cases against him, underscoring the party’s commitment to judicial fairness.
The JUI-F representative also stated that communication and consultation with the PTI as an opposition party would continue. These interactions are seen as necessary for addressing shared concerns and coordinating on issues of national importance. Discussions of an alliance between JUI-F and PTI have surfaced over the past week, though party leader Kamran Murtaza cautioned that any decision to formally join PTI in protests remains “premature.”
Murtaza further revealed that PTI members recently conveyed a goodwill message from Imran Khan to JUI-F’s leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman. This message, he explained, included well wishes and emphasized that previous criticisms linked to the recent constitutional amendment were not intended as accusations against Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Following JUI-F’s support for the coalition government’s 26th Constitutional Amendment, Maulana Fazlur Rehman remarked that their backing prevented the approval of an undesirable draft. While the JUI-F remains in discussions with PTI, it appears cautious about committing to a political alliance or shared protests at this time. The spokesperson reiterated that any future decisions would be based on careful consideration of political developments.
