Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), on Monday amid reports of growing friction within the ruling alliance.
Both the leaders discussed prevailing political situation in the country, as confirmed by a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing signs of friction within the ruling coalition and the PDM, following Fazl’s recent critical remarks over a clandestine meeting between the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Dubai last month.
Reportedly, the meeting was meant to strategize and determine the timing of the upcoming general elections, as well as negotiate their respective shares in the future government.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Fazl questioned the undisclosed meeting between the two major government allies without taking the PDM into confidence.
During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the premier acknowledged the indispensable role played by the coalition partners in the government.
He emphasized that without their cooperation, resolving the economic crisis and reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund would be impossible.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further commended Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his unwavering support in making difficult decisions, according to the PMO’s statement.
In response, Fazl expressed admiration for the coalition government’s efforts, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, to navigate the country out of economic hardships and onto the path of prosperity, the statement added.
Notably, Fazl also applauded the government’s swift response and measures taken by the Prime Minister concerning the appalling incident of Quran desecration in Sweden. He described the incident as deeply regrettable.
The meeting between Fazlur Rehman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was attended by Fazl’s son, Asad Mahmood, who serves as the Minister for Communications.
