Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has confirmed seeking guarantees from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) before joining the opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP). Rehman questioned who the PTI should negotiate with— the prime minister, the president, or the army chief. In a joint press conference with PTI leaders following their meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday night, Fazlur Rehman stated that JUI-F has not yet decided to join the opposition alliance but acknowledged ongoing efforts to persuade them. https://ift.tt/RTvQNhW When asked by a journalist if JUI-F had sought any guarantees from PTI before starting an anti-government movement, Fazl replied, "Yes, when serious negotiations are held, certain measures are necessary to build trust." He further questioned, "Who should we talk to? Will the prime minister, the president, or the army chief conduct the negotiations?" Fazl condemned the attack on PTI Central Spokesperson Raoof Hasan, criticising the police for raiding PTI's office and conducting searches instead of arresting the attackers. Also read: Imran threatens to take to streets after attack on PTI leader “Today, opposition leaders Omar Ayub and Asad Qaiser visited us for goodwill, and we welcomed them,” Fazl said. “Their stance is that meetings should be held, and bitterness should be reduced. We welcome this spirit.” The JUI-F chief expressed his concerns, stating that the Constitution and parliament have lost their significance, and democracy has also lost its case. He also criticised the ongoing military operations, noting an increase in terrorism despite long-term efforts. “A few days ago, a drone attack targeted civilians,” he added. “Operations are being conducted without planning. At the Chaman border, protests have been ongoing for six or seven months, affecting local businesses. Similarly, daily wage earners in Angoor Adda, South Waziristan, have been impacted.” He highlighted the plight of people in Jamrud, who are demanding their livelihoods and facing restrictions without alternatives. "We believe our stance on common issues can be unified. If we can't eliminate differences, we can soften them," Fazl said. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Fazl and his colleagues. “As opposition leaders, we want to continue this struggle for the Constitution under Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain. This is the desire of PTI founder Imran Khan, Mehmood Achakzai and all of us,” Ayub said. He mentioned that JUI-F’s rallies are ongoing, and PTI’s movement for the Constitution will also hold rallies across Pakistan. “Today, there is no such thing as the Constitution in Pakistan,” Ayub remarked. PTI leader Hammad Azhar condemned the police raid on their office. “Instead of finding Raoof Hasan’s attackers, the police are targeting an innocent person,” he said. Azhar called for the government to reconsider the legitimate demands of protesters in Chaman. He criticised the sealing of the Quetta Press Club, where Mahrang Baloch was supposed to hold a press conference, saying such actions weaken the country. “Democracy will strengthen the country, and under the current circumstances, no investment will come. We strongly condemn the undemocratic forces at play,” he asserted. Asad Qaiser thanked Fazl for his warm reception. “The wheat crisis in Punjab is troubling farmers, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s economy has collapsed,” Qaiser said. He emphasised the need for all sectors to unite for the supremacy of the Constitution. “Can an incident like the attack on Raoof Hasan happen in a country governed by the rule of law?” Qaiser asked. “We want Maulana’s strength and courage to be used for upholding the Constitution.” Qaiser also condemned recent remarks against the judiciary in the Senate and declared solidarity with the judges. In response to a question, Omar Ayub strongly opposed the Punjab government’s defamation bill and vowed to challenge it in court. “Imran Khan said, ‘No matter how long I am imprisoned, I will not deviate from my stance,’” Ayub concluded.
from express tribune https://ift.tt/xAjOWTi
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