ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has emphasized the need for political consensus as opposition parties proposed convening an all-parties conference (APC) in response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.
Opposition leaders gathered with Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on the current political climate, ongoing talks between the government and opposition, and to strategize future political moves. Following the meeting, Fazlur Rehman announced that the opposition had suggested holding an APC, which the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) had invited all political parties to join.
He stressed that the APC should be conducted with a shared understanding and agenda, aiming to find a consensus-driven approach to resolve the country’s pressing issues.
Addressing the political situation, Fazlur Rehman described it as extremely challenging, noting that the government’s stance had limited opportunities for dialogue. He reiterated that political and democratic forces favor negotiations and that discussions should be handled politically, with both sides willing to make concessions.
Although he was not involved in recent government-opposition talks, Fazlur Rehman expressed no opposition to negotiations in principle and highlighted the importance of moderation in political dealings.
He underscored that Pakistan belongs to all its people and that all political factions must uphold the country and its Constitution. He observed a rise in political tensions across the spectrum and called on parties to play a constructive role in easing the situation. Fazlur Rehman also recalled his party’s history of conducting peaceful and democratic long marches.
Opposition Leader in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, echoed the call for dialogue, stating that the TTAP had invited all political parties to the APC to work on a common agenda and resolve differences through talks.
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja emphasized the need for communication between the government and the public, highlighting inflationary challenges. He said the APC would address public concerns and insisted that PTI’s fight was for the rights of the people and the Constitution. Raja criticized the use of force for creating a divide between the state and citizens, acknowledging that while negotiations had temporarily stalled, dialogue remained essential for resolving issues.
The meeting also covered the topic of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Fazlur Rehman reportedly opposing such a move. Opposition leaders collectively stressed reducing political tensions, resuming dialogue, and uniting all political forces on a common platform.
Attendees included Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, former National Assembly Speaker and PTI leader Asad Qaiser, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Muhammad Aslam Ghori, Senator Kamran Murtaza, and Akhunzada Hussain.
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