Fazlur Rehman signals potential alliance with Imran Khan's PTI

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the influential religious-political leader who heads Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), is considering forming an alliance with jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), potentially creating a unified opposition front against Pakistan's coalition government.

Speaking to media representatives at his residence on Saturday night, Rehman said a formal decision on the alliance would be made during the JUI-F policy-making meeting after Eid. "A decision will be made in the JUI-F policy-making meeting regarding an alliance with PTI in the anti-government movement," he stated.

Political realignment underway

The potential alliance represents a significant shift in Pakistan's political landscape, as JUI-F previously supported the government on key bills, including the controversial 26th constitutional amendment. The realignment comes amid growing criticism of the current administration led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

"The current government and parliament are puppets," Rehman declared. "The Prime Minister, President, and Interior Minister are not competent." He claimed that the current rulers "did not come to power by winning elections" and warned that "the state is in danger."

Rehman's comments follow last month's two-day opposition conference organized by the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), where multiple opposition parties united to reject the February 8, 2024 election results and demand fresh elections under what they called a "neutral" Election Commission of Pakistan.

Warming relations with PTI

The religious leader acknowledged improving relations with PTI, stating, "The bitterness in matters with PTI has reduced," and emphasized that "rhetoric will not cause a rift in the possible alliance." He added, "If anyone makes a statement against me, PTI should take notice."

JUI-F has called a meeting of its general council to plan protests against government policies. After Eid, the council will decide whether to launch a formal anti-government movement, potentially in coordination with PTI and other opposition parties.

Criticism of political elite

Rehman also criticized other major political figures. Regarding former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Rehman said, "Nawaz Sharif can play an important role in the current political situation," but questioned, "If Nawaz Sharif thinks that achieving government in one province is enough, then what has happened to the country?"

On President Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), who recently rejected the government's Indus Canal plan during his address to Parliament, Rehman claimed, "Asif Zardari is enjoying himself," adding that "Zardari is the only person who has the ability to buy the provincial assembly and the presidency."

Rehman also criticized the role of Pakistan's military establishment in politics. "The establishment is responsible for superstitions. People are in danger from armed groups and the army. Unfortunately, the establishment is running the country," he asserted, adding, "Pakistan is not owned by the army; the country belongs to all of us."

The JUI-F leader joined opposition calls for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commission members. "There was no theft in the elections; there were robberies. We are witnesses," he claimed, reasserting opposition allegations of election rigging.

Security and foreign policy

Rehman's move toward PTI comes as the opposition has been increasingly vocal about security concerns, particularly in Balochistan following a recent terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express. Last Friday, the TTAP called for an all-party conference to address the country's deteriorating security situation.

Regarding foreign policy, Rehman questioned why Pakistan can hold talks with Iran and India but takes a different attitude toward Afghanistan. He also suggested the government missed an opportunity to negotiate for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States, using the metaphor of Pakistan offering "a goat" to Trump.

The potential JUI-F-PTI alliance would strengthen an opposition coalition that has been gradually forming over recent months, marked by walkouts from Parliament and unified calls for fresh elections.