Setback for PTI? Pakistan’s religio-political party decides against joining any alliance

Pakistan’s key religio-political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), has decided not to join any political alliance — including one with the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose founder and former prime minister Imran Khan remains behind bars.

The decision was made during a two-day meeting of the party’s Central Executive Council held in Lahore, chaired by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The meeting resulted in several key decisions, with the most prominent being the choice to stay out of any formal coalition.

Key decisions from JUI-F meeting:

• Continued support for Palestinian liberation: JUI-F reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Palestinian struggle. In line with this, "Million Marches" for Gaza martyrs are scheduled for April 27 in Lahore, May 11 in Peshawar, and May 15 in Quetta.
• Appeal for financial assistance for Gaza: The meeting urges the public to contribute financially to support the people of Gaza.
• Condemnation of law and order 'breakdown': The meeting strongly condemns the deteriorating law and order situation across the country.
• Call for transparent elections: JUI-F expresses its discontent with the current central and provincial governments, formed through what it called "rigged elections", for their failure to address public issues and restore peace. The party reiterates its demand for fair and transparent elections.
• Political strategy moving forward: The meeting decides to continue its political struggle independently, without joining any alliances. However, strategies for cooperation on shared issues with other opposition parties will be determined by the central executive council.
• Rejection of Mines and Minerals Bill: The meeting also rejects the Mines and Minerals Bill in its entirety.
• Accountability of Balochistan Assembly members: JUI-F demands an explanation from its members in the Balochistan Assembly who supported the Mines and Minerals Bill and will issue show-cause notices to them.
• Addressing provincial issues: The Central Executive Council and Shura will develop strategies to tackle the challenges faced by various provinces.

Meanwhile, party insiders confirm that JUI-F intends to retain its position as an independent opposition voice in parliament.

"The party will not join the government nor form any alliance. However, it may assess individual parliamentary matters on a case-by-case basis and decide whether to cooperate with PTI when necessary," said one source familiar with the discussions.

Sources said PTI was eager to form a grand alliance of political parties against the government and was also reportedly in contact with the establishment. They added that JUI-F, however, was unwilling to become a pawn in any political maneuvering and would continue its independent movement.