Fazlur Rehman calls for political dialogue, says KP government is paralysed

ISLAMABAD: JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has urged political parties to lower tensions and pursue dialogue, saying the country’s political atmosphere has become increasingly strained.

Speaking to reporters, Fazlur Rehman said the government and opposition needed to reconsider their approach to political engagement. He maintained that negotiations remained important for resolving political differences, although JUI-F was not part of the recent talks.

He said meaningful dialogue could only succeed if both sides were willing to listen, accommodate each other’s positions and make compromises. According to him, political negotiations should be conducted without outside interference.

Fazlur Rehman called for greater restraint in political discourse, saying that sitting together and discussing differences could help political forces find common ground.

He also said he had been invited to an All Parties Conference (APC), adding that opposition parties should consult one another before deciding on the proposal. He favoured a joint conference and a common strategy based on an agenda agreed upon through consultation.

Emphasising national unity, the JUI-F chief said political parties should remember that they were all Pakistanis and should uphold the Constitution and national interests. He also urged politicians not to question the patriotism of others.

Speaking about PTI’s long march, Fazlur Rehman said taking out a march and travelling to Islamabad were democratic rights, and that PTI was entitled to register its protest.

He further called for a change in political language and attitudes, stressing that political opponents should be treated with respect. He said he had asked opposition parties to examine the situation carefully, while JUI-F would also discuss the matter internally.

On the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Fazlur Rehman claimed that the provincial government was paralysed. He further alleged that deputy commissioners were imposing Section 144 without the provincial government’s approval.