LAHORE:
JUI-F will not be part of any joint movement with TTAP until past concerns between them and PTI are resolved, a party official said, as contrasting positions emerge from Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and JUI-F on joint movement.
Two meetings – an informal interaction in Parliament and another formal meeting at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence with opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai – have sparked speculation of a wider alliance against the PML-N-led government.
The opposition alliance led by TTAP and its key stakeholders PTI – except JUI-F – has already announced a campaign against the recent rise in inflation and petrol prices earlier this week, and it plans to reach out to other opposition parties, including JUI-F, to start a joint movement.
TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Hussain told The Express Pakinomist that overall economic and security issues were discussed during the meeting at Maulana’s residence.
He said there was consensus between the two sides to launch an anti-inflation movement, ECP, and the proposed 28th amendment, adding that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has requested time to discuss the proposals with senior party leadership.
However, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri denied that any talks about a joint movement took place during Mehmood Khan Achakzai’s recent visit, insisting that it was only meant to condole the killing of JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Idrees. He said political issues were discussed but not a joint movement.
He said the JUI-F would not join any movement with the PTI until outstanding issues were resolved, noting that the PTI had participated in consultations and exchanged proposals on the 26th Amendment, but later rejected the process after its passage. “How can we trust them after this.”
He said PTI had repeatedly floated the idea of a joint movement but without any concrete plan. In view of this, he said, the JUI-F is pressing ahead with its own movement, “Awan Nahi Maidan” and will stage a demonstration in Karachi against inflation and law and order issues.
He said the JUI-F chief is planning a visit to Balochistan after Eid, noting that Maulana Fazlur Rehman holds Mehmood Khan Achakzai in high esteem and enjoys cordial ties with him. He added that any formal proposal by Achakzai would be considered after the JUI-F sets its own terms of reference (TORs).
When contacted again for clarification amid JUI-F’s dispute over the purpose of the meeting and the proposal for a motion, TTAP spokesperson Hussain expressed surprise and said the JUI-F spokesperson may not be aware of the full details. He maintained that the meeting went beyond a condolence call and had a wider scope.
When contacted to share TTAP’s stand on the issue, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said his stance on a joint movement remains the same, regardless of TTAP’s claims.
