PESHAWAR: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, announced yesterday that talks are underway to bring Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman into the grand opposition alliance led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Speaking to a private channel, Ayub expressed optimism that Fazl-ur-Rehman would soon join the alliance, with discussions ongoing to solidify the partnership.
Since the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan, the party has faced multiple challenges. Efforts to form a united opposition have faced hurdles, including strained ties with the establishment and internal discord. Despite these difficulties, PTI has intensified its efforts to unite the opposition against the government, aiming to launch an anti-government movement after Eid ul Fitr, in line with Imran Khan's instructions.
Imran Khan, while incarcerated, directed PTI leaders to reach out to all political parties to form a grand alliance. However, the process has encountered setbacks, especially with mixed signals from within PTI. While some leaders, like Asad Qaiser, have suggested that negotiations with JUI-F are ongoing and a national agenda would be unveiled upon Fazl’s return from an overseas trip, others have been more confrontational.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, for example, openly criticized Fazl earlier this month, leading to strong objections from JUI-F, who questioned PTI's sincerity in forming the alliance. This internal division has made it difficult to unite the opposition effectively.
Earlier attempts to form a united front included the creation of the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) in April last year, which brought together several political parties, including the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP). However, after talks between the government and opposition collapsed, PTI has once again made a push for a united opposition front.
Despite challenges, PTI’s ongoing efforts to unite the opposition and bring JUI-F on board reflect the party's determination to rally against the current government and push for political change
