Pakistan's opposition seeks alliance with Fazlur Rehman

Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader in Pakistan's National Assembly, announced on Wednesday that efforts are underway to persuade Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), to join a grand opposition alliance. He expressed hope that Fazlur Rehman would soon be part of the opposition bloc. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been facing challenges since its founder, Imran Khan, was imprisoned. The party's push to create this alliance has faced obstacles, including strained relationships with the establishment. Ayub mentioned that PTI is accelerating efforts to form an alliance to start an anti-government movement after Eid ul Fitr, as directed by Khan. To unify the opposition, Ayub noted ongoing discussions with the JUI-F leader. However, the PTI's internal disagreements have complicated these efforts. Recently, there were mixed messages from PTI leaders. While Asad Qaiser indicated talks with the JUI-F were progressing, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took a more confrontational stance, criticizing Fazlur Rehman and prompting concerns about the PTI's commitment to collaboration. In the past, the PTI formed the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), a multi-party opposition alliance. After talks broke down between the government and the opposition in January, PTI made another move to strengthen its position by inviting former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to join their movement. Recently, TTAP leaders held a conference, blaming the controversial February 8, 2024, elections for the crisis in the country and calling for the removal of amendments that they consider unconstitutional.