Govt, PTI 'agree' on Fazlur Rehman’s mediation to break talks deadlock

The federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed to seek Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s role as a mediator to help break the deadlock that has emerged in talks between the government and the opposition.

According to sources, the government and opposition have asked Maulana Fazlur Rehman to play a role in facilitating the resumption of negotiations between the two sides.

Sources said Fazlur Rehman has put forward five conditions for mediation and told both sides that he would first assess their seriousness about resolving the impasse.

Fazlur Rehman has made it clear that he will first seriously examine the demands of both sides. If both parties are willing to show flexibility on key issues and acknowledge each other’s positions, he would then play his final role in finding a middle ground.

According to sources, following Fazlur Rehman’s final decision on whether to mediate, he is likely to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which further progress on the matter is expected.

A government delegation met Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday and briefed him on the country’s political situation and the stalled negotiations.

The delegation, led by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, included Rana Sanaullah and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The delegation apprised Fazlur Rehman of the seriousness of the situation and the federal government’s concerns.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ayaz Sadiq said backchannel contacts with the opposition were continuing and efforts were being made to find a political solution in the larger interest of the country.

He added that he remained in contact with members of the National Assembly by phone and continued to speak with them.