The chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday held second meeting with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) supremo Nawaz Sharif. During the meeting, both made a pledge to move ahead together to take on their rivals in the February 8 polls.
It is to be noted that, the PML-N is largely banking on JUI-F in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is considered a stronghold of Imran Khan’s PTI, and believes its position will be firm in Balochistan if the JUI-F is at its side. The PML-N has also forged an anti-PPP alliance in Sindh in which JUI-F, MQM-P and GDA are with it.
The meeting on Monday took place against the backdrop of a recent statement by a JUI-F spokesperson that Maulana Fazl is a presidential candidate.
JUI-F spokesperson Hafiz Hamdullah claimed that, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman will become Pakistan’s next president no matter if PML-N or PPP secures a majority in parliament after the Feb 8 polls.”
One of the official of the PML-N said that, Maulana Fazl was keen to grab the presidential slot after the elections. He said that, “It has been a wish of Maulana for a long time. And under the current circumstances, Sharif will have to accede to his wish as he cannot afford to annoy its trusted ally at this stage. However, once the elections are held the situation may change in accordance with the number of seats the PML-N secures in the assemblies.”
Whereas, there has yet no statement from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz regarding the meeting held on Monday.
While addressing the media on the same, the PML-N Punjab President, Rana Sanaullah said that PML-N and JUI-F had been in continuous talks for the seat adjustment.
He ruled out a delay in the elections, saying the chief justice was there to ensure that polls were held on Feb 8.
