JUI-F Chief Rules Out Formal Opposition Alliance, Seeks Issue-Based Collaboration

LAHORE, April 23, 2025 – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman dismissed the notion of a formal opposition alliance in the current political landscape, while leaving the door open for cooperation on specific issues. Speaking at a press conference after his party’s Majlis-e-Shura meeting in Lahore, Fazl emphasized that such alliances were typically a feature of the government, not the opposition.

Fazl’s remarks came amid ongoing consultations between JUI-F and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had previously discussed the possibility of uniting against the government. The idea of a formal alliance gained traction after Imran Khan, the former prime minister currently incarcerated, urged his party to strengthen ties with opposition parties.

However, the JUI-F’s stance on a potential alliance was complicated by recent developments. PTI leader Azam Swati’s statement on April 12 that Imran Khan had instructed him to hold talks with the establishment further strained relations. In response, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza condemned the PTI’s approach, stating that forming an alliance while engaging in undisclosed talks with the establishment was unacceptable.

Murtaza further emphasized that during their discussions, JUI-F had made it clear that no party should hold unilateral talks with the establishment. “Anything is possible in politics, but for now, we may coordinate on specific issues without becoming part of a formal alliance,” he said.

Fazl reiterated that his party would continue its political struggle independently and would focus on collaborating with parliamentary parties on select issues. He clarified that JUI-F’s strategy for such collaborations would be developed by the party’s consultative and executive bodies.

In a broader political critique, Fazl accused the incumbent government of failing to address key issues, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. He lamented the government’s inability to restore state authority in many areas, with armed groups operating freely and the state unable to protect citizens’ lives and property.

Additionally, Fazl reaffirmed JUI-F’s stance on the 2018 elections, labeling them as rigged and declaring that the party would maintain its opposition to the 2024 elections unless they were conducted transparently. He called for an end to “selected governments,” which he argued ignored public opinion and undermined provincial rights.

Fazl also addressed internal party matters, particularly in Balochistan, where JUI-F members who voted in favor of the controversial mines and minerals bill were issued show-cause notices. He warned that if their explanations were unsatisfactory, their memberships would be suspended.

In conclusion, Fazl’s statements underscored his party’s resolve to maintain its political independence while remaining open to cooperation on issues of common interest. However, the path toward any formal alliance with opposition parties, particularly PTI, appears increasingly unlikely given the recent developments.

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