PML-N, PPP invite JUI-F to join coalition government

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have invited Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), a former ally, to join the ruling coalition.

The offer was made during recent meetings between leaders of PML-N, PPP, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

According to sources, both PML-N and PPP separately approached Fazlur Rehman with proposals to join their governments.

A senior PML-N leader reportedly invited Maulana Fazl three days ago to become part of the federal government. The PML-N leader stated that the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was no longer a viable partner.

Following this, PPP leadership also met the JUI-F chief and offered cooperation in provincial governments.

A PPP leader reportedly invited JUI-F to join hands in forming governments in Sindh and Balochistan, and also proposed working together in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Meanwhile, GDA leaders requested Maulana Fazlur Rehman to support the opposition in Sindh.

Sources within JUI-F claim that PML-N is considering forming a government in Balochistan with JUI-F while excluding PPP. On the other hand, PPP has also invited JUI-F to form a government in the province without PML-N.

In response, JUI-F leadership stated that a final decision will be made during the party’s Majlis-e-Shura meeting.

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has convened a two-day meeting of the party’s central executive committee (CEC). JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said the session will be held on April 4 and 5 at Mufti Mahmood Centre in Peshawar.

Senior party leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Aslam Ghauri, have arrived in Peshawar. The meeting is expected to determine the party’s future political strategy.

Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Chief Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, in a meeting that focused on evolving political developments and possible new alignments in Sindh and Balochistan, ARY News reported citing sources.

According to sources, discussions during the meeting revolved around ongoing efforts to bring Maulana Fazal ur Rehman and his party into potential power-sharing arrangements, with particular interest in Sindh and Balochistan. Bilawal Bhutto reportedly extended a formal invitation to Maulana Fazal ur Rehman to explore political cooperation.