The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have re-established contacts, with PTI leaders meeting Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad.
The meeting focused on forging a joint strategy for a protest movement inside and outside parliament, holding consultations on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner (CEC) and two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan, as well as devising a strategy for working together in the future.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, PTI's Salman Akram Raja emphasized the need for unity among democratic forces to safeguard the Constitution. He remarked, "All democratic people must work together to protect the Constitution. There are no chances of talks with the government now. We are now moving towards the people to fight for our rights."
He said Maulana Fazlur Rehman has assured the PTI of continuing dialogue, stating, "There are many possibilities to move forward, and we have agreed to hold more meetings."
Both parties also discussed the state of law and Constitution in the country and vowed to work collaboratively. "We will also go to Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and reach out to Mahrang Baloch," he added.
Prior to the meeting, Raja said the PTI was meeting Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the instructions and willingness of the PTI founder, claiming that all the forces trying to protect human rights would support them.
"The talks (with the government) have ended; there is no possibility of further talks now. Now we are going towards all the constitutional forces of Pakistan," he declared.
NA Opposition Leader Omer Ayub highlighted the party's dissatisfaction with the current Election Commission of Pakistan, citing the negative role of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja in previous elections. "We are consulting with opposition parties to ensure the appointment of individuals with good reputations for an independent election commission," he said.
JUI-F leader Kamran Murtaza announced the formation of a two-member committee, which includes himself and PTI's Asad Qaiser, to facilitate future discussions between the two sides. He also said they discussed working together and the election commission appointments. "PTI wants to move forward together on this one-point agenda," he added.
"This committee will determine the way forward for both parties. If progress is made, we will decide on the future strategy together," Murtaza added.
The discussions also delved into issues of electoral rigging, with opposition leaders expressing the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Kamran Murtaza remarked, "Everyone knows that the last election was marred by rigging. PTI has shown willingness to move forward together on this one-point agenda."
