PTI Seeks Opposition Alliance Amid JUI-F Reservations Over Past Tensions
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is actively working to form an opposition alliance to challenge the current political system. However, its strained history with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and past criticism of its chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, remain key obstacles.
According to a JUI-F insider, PTI leaders have reached out to the party in hopes of a political partnership. While JUI-F has not demanded a public apology, it expects PTI to take meaningful steps to address the concerns of its supporters, who were offended by past remarks against Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Despite ongoing discussions, PTI has yet to respond to these reservations.
Beyond JUI-F, PTI also faces resistance from other opposition factions. Critics argue that while PTI is the largest opposition party, it cannot dictate alliance terms unilaterally. The party’s lack of consultation with other opposition groups has fueled skepticism about its willingness to collaborate effectively.
PTI has announced nationwide protests after Ramazan, but parties like JUI-F and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s Awam Pakistan were reportedly not consulted. This exclusion has raised concerns among potential allies about PTI’s approach to opposition unity.
During a TV talk show on Sunday, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi stressed that PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, must reform his political strategy for the country’s stability. He dismissed the notion that the Trump administration would intervene for Khan’s release, stating that the U.S. is unlikely to interfere in Pakistan’s domestic matters. Abbasi acknowledged PTI’s strong public support but warned that without strategic changes, the party may struggle to secure broader political backing.
JUI-F has historically been hesitant about aligning with PTI. Last year, Maulana Fazlur Rehman ruled out a formal alliance, emphasizing his party’s preference for independent political activism. He cited past unfavorable experiences with alliances as a reason for maintaining distance. However, JUI-F has remained open to issue-based communication with PTI, as seen in discussions regarding the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
While PTI continues its efforts to unite the opposition, skepticism from JUI-F and other political groups remains a significant challenge. Whether PTI can successfully address these concerns and forge a cohesive alliance remains uncertain.
