——— Premier suggests forming a committee to resolve issues
——— Acknowledges Fazl’s role in promoting peaceful struggle to protect democratic values
——— Fazl remains vocal against allegedly stolen vote in general polls
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed forming a committee for finding solutions political issues through collaboration in meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad.
The visit comes as the prime minister expedites his efforts to win back Maulana’s trust, inviting him to join the ruling coalition.
Fazl, on the other hand, continues to refute the results of the February 8 general elections after his party faced defeat, terming the polls “rigged”.
According to a statement released by the PM’s Office on Thursday, the premier visited Maulana’s residence to inquire about his well being.
In his meeting with the JUI-F chief, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the veteran politician’s role in promoting peaceful struggle to protect democratic values as well as appreciated his religious services for the nation.
Addressing a presser in Multan last month, the politician, whose party has remained a traditional ally of the PML-N but didn’t join the government this time around, said that the country would constantly move towards “slavery’ if the nation didn’t protect the votes.
Since his defeat in the polls, the JUI-F chief has also softened his stance towards Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that he doesn’t have any personal enmity with the Imran Khan-founded party.
Maulana Fazl has also spoke about negotiations with the PTI and encouraged an environment for talks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who is also PTI’s president in the province, said that the party should benefit from Maulana Fazl’s “experience”.
