Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman have discussed efforts to ease tensions between the federal government and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) administration, as political uncertainty continues amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ongoing long march.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz contacted Fazlur Rehman by telephone on Saturday, congratulated him on performing Umrah and invited him to meet at the Prime Minister’s House. The JUI-F chief accepted the invitation, and the meeting is expected to take place soon.
The PMO said the two leaders also discussed ways to reduce tensions between the Centre and the K-P government.
JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said the conversation covered the prevailing political situation and the growing friction between the federal and provincial governments.
Ghauri added that Fazlur Rehman remained in regular contact with PTI leadership and had taken the party into confidence as part of efforts to reduce political tensions and encourage dialogue.
Governor Kundi, Amir Muqam discuss law and order
Separately, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi met Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Minister Amir Muqam at the Governor House in Peshawar to discuss the province’s overall situation.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the meeting covered law and order, PTI’s ongoing long march and other significant political developments.
Both leaders expressed gratitude to the people of K-P and claimed that the public had rejected what they described as the “politics of chaos.”
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, they reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to taking all possible measures to maintain peace and promote public welfare and development in the province.
The meeting came amid heightened political activity as PTI continues its protest campaign and efforts to revive negotiations with the federal government.
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Fazlur Rehman emerges as potential mediator
Fazlur Rehman has emerged as a possible intermediary between the government and opposition after PTI authorised him to facilitate dialogue, according to statements by party leaders.
PTI K-P President Junaid Akbar previously said the party had empowered the JUI-F chief to mediate between the two sides. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also called for meaningful and unconditional negotiations, urging the government and opposition to find common ground.
The latest initiative follows two rounds of talks between the government and PTI that ended without an agreement. The sides remained divided over PTI’s demand for access to its jailed founder, Imran Khan, and disagreements concerning counterterrorism policy in K-P.
PTI has argued that the federal and provincial governments should develop a joint strategy on security matters, while the government has stressed the need for cooperation from the provincial administration.
Long march adds to political uncertainty
PTI’s long march began on October 4 after initial attempts to reach an agreement failed. The convoy has been moving through K-P, with Charsadda and Mardan among its scheduled stops before reaching Swabi, where the party has said it will announce its next course of action.
The protest has intensified speculation about possible federal measures in response to the standoff. Reports citing sources have suggested that options including governor’s rule or an emergency in parts of the province are being considered.
There have also been reports of a proposal involving a separate administrative arrangement for 12 K-P districts. However, these proposals have not been presented as confirmed government decisions.
With negotiations stalled and the protest continuing, efforts by political figures to facilitate dialogue could prove significant in determining whether tensions between Islamabad and the K-P government can be reduced.
For now, the proposed meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Fazlur Rehman offers another potential avenue for political engagement, although no breakthrough has yet been announced.
