ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The political distance between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) appears to be growing, even as Maulana Fazlur Rehman signals openness to dialogue. Despite efforts to bring the two opposition forces together under a unified anti-government platform, recent developments suggest deepening mistrust—particularly over PTI’s alleged overtures to the establishment.
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, in a recent TV appearance, acknowledged the widening gulf with JUI-F, stating that the PTI would continue its agitation independently and would not pressure the Maulana to join its so-called ‘grand alliance.’
“We will move forward with our caravan. If Maulana Sahib joins us, well and good; if not, that’s his choice,” Ayub said, adding that JUI-F, as a separate political entity, has the right to make its own decisions.
Initially, PTI had hoped to align with Maulana Fazlur Rehman through the broader Tehreek Tahaffuz Aayen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance. However, confusion over whether PTI founder Imran Khan had greenlit talks with the establishment has soured relations. PTI leader Azam Swati, formerly with the JUI-F, claimed to have Khan’s approval to initiate dialogue with the establishment—an assertion denied by other PTI leaders, including Ayub and Salman Akram Raja.
JUI-F has since sought clarity on PTI’s stance. Senator Kamran Murtaza warned that any perception of PTI cosying up to the establishment would be a deal-breaker for a potential alliance. “If PTI wants to engage with the powers that be, then JUI-F will reconsider its position in any opposition coalition,” he said.
Nonetheless, in a more conciliatory tone, Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently expressed a willingness to engage in political dialogue with PTI—provided relations are normalized. Speaking alongside Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman at JI’s Lahore headquarters, the Maulana said, “Just like we have political differences with PPP and PML-N, those with PTI should not be seen as personal hostilities. We’re open to dialogue on national issues.”
Despite the underlying tensions, JUI-F and JI presented a united front on another pressing issue: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In their joint press conference, both leaders condemned Israeli aggression and criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its weak response.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged all political parties to take a firm stand against Israel and its allies, particularly the United States. He emphasized that while JI would continue engaging with various political and religious groups, including JUI-F, it would maintain its independent political course. He also announced a nationwide strike on April 26 to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman echoed these sentiments, stressing that the Muslim world must adopt a clearer, unified stance on the crisis. He revealed that the JUI-F has established a joint platform, Majlis Ittehad-i-Ummat, to coordinate efforts in support of Palestine.
Commenting on domestic political matters, both leaders reiterated their demand for constitutional supremacy and electoral transparency. The JI chief strongly rejected the 26th Constitutional Amendment, arguing that it had weakened the judiciary. He called for a thorough investigation into alleged electoral rigging, rather than immediate fresh elections.
This marked the first formal meeting between the two leaders since Hafiz Naeemur Rehman assumed leadership of the JI. Both sides agreed to continue engaging on national issues while maintaining their respective political independence.
