ISLAMABAD: In a significant move preceding Sunday’s premiership elections in the National Assembly, Nawaz Sharif, the supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), paid a visit to the residence of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
The meeting underscored a dialogue between the two former coalition partners as they navigate the political landscape.
Welcoming Nawaz Sharif along with other prominent members of the PML-N, including Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, and Rana Sanaullah, Maulana Fazlur Rehman extended a warm reception. Representing the JUI-F were Ghulam Ali, Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, and Noor Alam Khan.
Sources privy to the discussions revealed that Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman engaged in a one-on-one meeting lasting for about an hour. The deliberations primarily centred on political matters, concluding with both leaders departing in an amiable mood.
Addressing the media post-meeting, Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of the PML-N, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We have endured challenging times together and have consistently sought guidance from Maulana Fazlur Rehman,” he stated. “Our association has weathered the storm during the PTI government, with Maulana’s support.”
Sanaullah emphasised the cordiality observed during the meeting, asserting that there was no animosity between the two parties. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman remains our beacon. Our earnest endeavour is to retain his counsel and ensure its efficacy,” he affirmed.
Dispelling speculation, Sanaullah clarified that Nawaz Sharif’s visit was not aimed at garnering votes from Maulana Fazlur Rehman but rather to deliberate on the nation’s prevailing political climate. He underscored mutual respect between the leaders, highlighting their willingness to consider each other’s perspectives.
Sanaullah also lauded Mahmood Khan Achakzai as a revered and patriotic figure, hinting at potential engagement between PML-N and Achakzai.
