Maulana Fazl declines Bilawal’s suggestion for talks with PTI

Peshawar:  Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman rejected Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's suggestions to hold talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan amidst rising political tension.

Bilawal Bhutto reached the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The other PPP leaders including Qamar Zaman Kaira and Faisal Karim Kundi also accompanied the party’s chairman during his visit and meeting with Maulana Fazl.

ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین اور وزیرخارجہ بلاول بھٹو زرداری کی گاؤں عبدالخیل آمد

ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان: چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری کی جے یو آئی سربراہ مولانا فضل الرحمان سے رکن قومی اسمبلی مفتی عبدالشکور کے انتقال پر تعزیت@BBhuttoZardari @MoulanaOfficial pic.twitter.com/4ujFUSmAzT

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) April 19, 2023

The sources seeking anonymity said that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tried to persuade Maulana Fazlur Rehman for talks with Imran Khan but the JUI-F Chief responded by saying, "Neither I am Mufti Mahmood nor you are Zulfilqar Ali Bhutto."

He made it clear to the PPP Chairman that his party would not take part in any effort for talks with the PTI.

Fazl added that talks should only be held with political parties, not with individuals, refusing to accept the PTI as the political party.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari argued that dialogue was the best way to resolve the current crises and that allies should have a united point of view on the matter. In response, the JUI-F asked what the outcome of previous talks with the PTI had been, citing their unwillingness to engage in dialogue.

The meeting between the two leaders took place at the JUI-F's residence in D.I. Khan, where Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other party leaders attempted to persuade the JUI-F leadership to reconsider their stance. However, Maulana Fazlur Rehman remained firm in his position.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman's refusal to hold talks with Imran Khan underscores the ongoing political tension in Pakistan, and the need for political parties to work together to find a solution. While dialogue may be necessary, it is essential that all parties involved are willing to engage in a meaningful and constructive manner.