Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday to discuss national and political issues.
Both leaders agreed to continue mutual contact and dialogue in the coming days, emphasizing cooperation and goodwill between their parties.
The meeting took place at the Maulana's residence, while Bilawal invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman to his house, which he accepted. After the meeting, Maulana spoke to the media, describing the interaction as “a meeting of goodwill” rather than one driven by a specific political agenda.
“The meeting with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was based on goodwill. It was not an agenda-based meeting,” Maulana Fazlur Rehman clarified.
He dismissed media speculation regarding constitutional amendments or discussions about the opposition leader’s post, stating that no such matters were brought up during the meeting.
'Not interested in becoming opp leader'
Responding to a question about his political ambitions, Maulana Fazlur Rehman categorically denied any interest in assuming the role of opposition leader. “I am not interested in becoming the opposition leader. I will remain in the opposition along with my members,” he said.
The JUI-F chief also mentioned that President “Asif Ali Zardari had come for a meeting earlier, now Bilawal also came. We will definitely go too.”
Discussion on Pak-Afghan relations, regional diplomacy
In an informal conversation about Pak-Afghan talks, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed support for serious diplomatic efforts aimed at regional peace. “If serious contact is made for the success of the talks, we will respond positively,” he stated.
He stressed that national interest remains the top priority for his party, and that JUI-F will play its role responsibly to support Pakistan’s stability. “The country’s interest is our priority, and we will play our role accordingly,” he added.
"There may be differences over policy, but we do not want Pakistan's problems to increase," he insisted.
Commenting on the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned that such developments could prove harmful for both countries. “Attitudes are moving towards intensity, which should be softened and made flexible,” he cautioned.
He further noted that creating and promoting narratives is not the solution, emphasizing that Pakistan must focus on deepening its diplomatic engagement. “Creating a narrative and promoting it is not the solution to the problem. Developing depth at the diplomatic level is the need of the hour,” Maulana said.
