In a significant political development, JUI-F supports PTI nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the position of opposition leader in the National Assembly. The announcement followed a high-level meeting held in Islamabad between the leadership of both parties, signaling a potential shift toward broader opposition unity.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation, led by former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence. The delegation included key PTI leaders Junaid Akbar, President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Shahram Tarakai. From JUI-F, senior figures such as Maulana Salahuddin Ayubi, Jalauddin Advocate, and Maulana Asjad Mahmood participated in the discussions.
Political Dialogue Between JUI-F and PTI
According to the official statement issued by JUI-F, the meeting primarily focused on Pakistan’s ongoing political challenges, regional stability, and the future role of the opposition in parliament. During the meeting, the PTI delegation formally briefed Maulana Fazlur Rehman about their decision to nominate Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chief of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), as the joint opposition leader in the National Assembly.
After reviewing the proposal, the JUI-F leadership announced that JUI-F supports PTI nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai, marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two parties that have often maintained differing political strategies.
A Step Toward Opposition Unity
The endorsement of Mahmood Khan Achakzai by JUI-F is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the opposition’s presence within the National Assembly. This development comes days after PTI formally submitted its request for Achakzai’s appointment as Leader of the Opposition, following the disqualification of former opposition leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz due to their involvement in the May 9 cases.
Political analysts believe that JUI-F supports PTI nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai to create a unified front against government policies and to push for collective parliamentary oversight. The development also highlights a growing realization among opposition parties about the need for joint action to counter political polarization in the country.
PTI’s Proposal for a National Jirga
During the meeting, the PTI delegation also presented a proposal to hold a national jirga in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the goal of promoting political reconciliation and fostering dialogue among all major political forces. Maulana Fazlur Rehman appreciated the idea and termed it a “positive step” for strengthening national unity and political harmony.
Both parties agreed that the political environment in Pakistan requires a more collaborative approach rather than confrontation. The PTI leadership emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust among opposition parties to ensure the protection of democratic institutions and public representation.
Broader Implications for Opposition Politics
The development that JUI-F supports PTI nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai could have far-reaching implications for parliamentary politics in Pakistan. If Achakzai assumes the role of opposition leader, it may lead to a more inclusive and cooperative opposition bloc representing diverse ideological backgrounds—from religious to nationalist and reformist groups.
Moreover, the JUI-F’s support could pave the way for further discussions on shared parliamentary strategies, particularly regarding governance, legislative reforms, and provincial representation. The collaboration might also extend to Senate matters, as sources confirmed that PTI sought JUI-F’s cooperation for a vacant Senate seat from the KP Assembly.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Position
Interestingly, just two days before this meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman clarified during a conversation with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that he had no personal ambition to become the opposition leader in the National Assembly. He stated that his priority lies in ensuring that the opposition functions effectively, regardless of who holds the top parliamentary seat.
By agreeing that JUI-F supports PTI nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Maulana Fazl demonstrated a willingness to prioritize national interest and political stability over personal positions. His statement that we will sit with our members on the opposition benches and support collective decisions reflects a pragmatic approach toward coalition politics.
Path Forward for Joint Opposition
As the political landscape evolves, both PTI and JUI-F have agreed to maintain communication and explore possibilities for future collaboration. Their meeting concluded with a consensus that the opposition must focus on policy-based criticism rather than political confrontation.
The fact that JUI-F supports PTI nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai also sends a message of maturity and adaptability within Pakistan’s opposition ranks. It signals that despite past rivalries, parties are willing to come together for a stronger parliamentary voice and a more balanced democratic process.
In the coming weeks, political observers will closely monitor how this alliance influences legislative proceedings, public perception, and the broader balance of power within the National Assembly. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for constructive opposition cooperation in Pakistan’s evolving political climate.
