- PTI’s backchannel links prompt JUI-F’s decision.
- Murtaza: We’ll formally notify PTI of decision.
- JUI-F open to coordination, not formal alliance.
ISLAMABAD: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has decided to distance itself from any political alliance for now, citing the absence of a clear stance from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding its engagement with the establishment, The News reported.
JUI-F senators Kamran Murtaza and Hafiz Hamdullah, speaking in separate appearances on Geo News television programmes, said that the party would not be part of any alliance at this stage.
Murtaza added that the PTI leadership would be formally informed that a coalition is not currently possible.
“For now, we are making it clear through the media that an alliance [with PTI] is not possible,” he said. He added that the JUI-F leadership had already communicated its decision to the PTI and that this would be conveyed formally as well.
The rift between the two parties deepened after PTI leader Azam Swati said on April 12 that PTI founder Imran Khan had tasked him with holding talks with the establishment.
Commenting on this, Senator Murtaza said: “It is unacceptable to expect us to form a political alliance while simultaneously maintaining undisclosed contacts with the establishment.”
He criticised the PTI leadership for failing to offer any clarification on the matter.
Murtaza further emphasised that during meetings with the PTI, the JUI-F had clearly conveyed that no party should hold unilateral talks with the establishment.
“Anything is possible in politics, but for now, we may coordinate on specific issues without becoming part of a formal alliance,” he said.
Hafiz Hamdullah also confirmed that while the JUI-F would remain in contact with other opposition parties on shared concerns, it would not join any political alliance.
