Misgivings hold back JUI-F from joining TTAP-PTI movement

ISLAMABAD: Differences over past dealings between Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf are slowing efforts to build a broader opposition campaign under the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, with the two sides offering differing accounts of recent contacts.

Speculation about a wider anti-government alignment gathered pace after two recent interactions: an informal meeting in parliament and a formal meeting at the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman attended by Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai.

The opposition alliance led by TTAP, with PTI as a key stakeholder but without JUI-F, has already announced a campaign against the recent rise in inflation and petrol prices earlier this week. The alliance also plans to approach other opposition parties, including JUI-F, for a joint movement.

TTAP and JUI-F differ on what was discussed

TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Hussain said the meeting at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence covered broader political matters, including the economy and security. According to him, both sides agreed in principle on launching a movement against inflation, the Election Commission of Pakistan and the proposed 28th Amendment.

He said Maulana Fazlur Rehman had sought time to consult the party’s senior leadership on the proposals.

JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri, however, rejected the suggestion that the meeting was held to discuss a joint movement. He said Mehmood Khan Achakzai had visited primarily to offer condolences over the killing of JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Idrees.

Ghauri said political issues did come up in conversation, but not the question of a joint campaign. He added that JUI-F would not become part of any movement alongside PTI until unresolved concerns between the two parties were addressed.

JUI-F cites trust deficit with PTI

Explaining the party’s reservations, Ghauri said PTI had taken part in consultations and exchanged proposals on the 26th Amendment, but later distanced itself from the process after the amendment was passed.

"How we can trust them after this?" he said further adding that PTI had repeatedly raised the idea of a joint movement, but had not presented any concrete plan.

In the meantime, he said, JUI-F is continuing with its own campaign, Awan Nahi Maidan, and will hold a rally in Karachi focused on inflation and law and order.

Ghauri also said Maulana Fazlur Rehman is planning to visit Balochistan after Eid. He added that the JUI-F chief holds Mehmood Khan Achakzai in high regard and maintains cordial relations with him. Any formal proposal from Achakzai, he said, would be considered after JUI-F finalises its own terms of reference.

TTAP maintains meeting had wider scope

When contacted again for clarification in light of JUI-F’s position, Akhundzada Hussain said he was surprised by the denial and suggested the JUI-F spokesperson might not be aware of all aspects of the discussion. He maintained that the meeting was not limited to a condolence call and had a wider agenda.

Asked again to state JUI-F’s position in response to TTAP’s account, Ghauri said his stance on a joint movement remained unchanged regardless of TTAP’s assertions.

The differing versions underline continuing mistrust between JUI-F and PTI at a time when TTAP is seeking to bring more opposition parties together for a common campaign against the PML-N-led government.