ISLAMABAD:As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intensifies efforts to consolidate political support, opposition parties have resolved to expand their anti-government coalition by initiating new dialogues and holding strategic meetings.
Amid speculation that negotiations are underway to bring Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman into the alliance, the JUI-F leadership appears to be assessing its position in aligning against a shared political adversary.
This development follows a recent meeting between a PTI delegation, led by Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who had previously opted for an independent stance against the government.
During the discussions, PTI leaders extended an invitation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, encouraging him to join the broader opposition coalition. However, subsequent rumors suggesting that Fazl had set three conditions for his participation were swiftly dismissed by party representatives.
In a bid to strengthen their position, the opposition alliance is shifting its focus to Sindh, where leaders of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) are preparing for a significant three-day visit. The delegation is set to engage with key figures within the alliance, while Sindh opposition leader Ayaz Latif Palijo plans to hold discussions with political representatives in Hyderabad.
The visiting delegation includes prominent leaders such as TTAP chief Mahmood Achakzai, Asad Qaiser, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai, as well as representatives from BNP-Mengal and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja is also part of the delegation.
The alliance’s outreach efforts will extend to meetings with business leaders, bar associations, PTI officials in Karachi, and journalists aligned with opposition viewpoints.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai refuted claims that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had imposed conditions for joining the alliance. He clarified, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has not demanded any leadership role within the opposition coalition. The reports suggesting otherwise are entirely baseless.”
He further asserted, “The government is well aware that the grand opposition alliance will take shape in the coming days. The media has been circulating false narratives regarding Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s stance.”
At a press conference in Islamabad, opposition figures Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi—who recently aligned with the anti-government movement—shared their perspectives on the ongoing political crisis.
Abbasi stated, “Our discussions with opposition parties are continuing. The people of Pakistan are looking for viable solutions to the current political turmoil.”
Achakzai announced plans to hold a national conference on February 26 and 27, aiming to address key national issues. “We are committed to playing an active role in resolving Pakistan’s challenges and invite all stakeholders to participate in this conference.”
JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri commented on the opposition alliance’s growing momentum, stating, “Certain factions are unsettled by the possibility of JUI-F joining the coalition, leading to the spread of misleading information.”
He emphasized that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s leadership was not contingent on holding an official position, asserting that his participation would only fortify the opposition’s stance. “We are progressively moving toward the formation of a unified grand alliance,” he added, noting that collaborative efforts were helping to bridge divisions among opposition factions.
He further accused certain elements of attempting to malign Maulana Fazlur Rehman following his speech in Parliament. “The public is well aware of the origins of these unfounded attacks,” he remarked.
