PPP, PML-N shift towards dialogue after Mohsin Naqvi’s strong remarks against Fazlur Rehman

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reportedly distanced themselves from the strong remarks

ISLAMABAD:  The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reportedly distanced themselves from the strong remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi against Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman during parliamentary proceedings, with senior political figures now emphasizing dialogue and negotiations rather than confrontation.

According to sources, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan have adopted a more conciliatory approach towards Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Their position comes amid ongoing actions involving the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) concerning the JUI-F leadership and its associates.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Remarks Spark Political Reaction

During a Senate session on October 29-30, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticized Maulana Fazlur Rehman following his remarks about the government. Naqvi accused the JUI-F chief of using the state for political and financial benefits and suggested that his attitude changed when he was no longer part of the government.

The interior minister also warned that the government would respond firmly if political boundaries were crossed. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif similarly criticized Maulana in the National Assembly, raising questions about his performance during his decade-long tenure as chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee.

The statements prompted a protest from JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza, who urged the government to stop targeting his party leadership.

Government Actions Against JUI-F Leadership

Meanwhile, several developments involving Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his associates have attracted political attention.

The CDA issued notices concerning alleged encroachments and land-related matters in Islamabad. Naqvi, however, clarified in the Senate that between 4,000 and 6,000 notices had been issued across the capital and that the action was not specifically directed at Maulana.

Separately, NAB issued a call-up notice to Maulana’s son, Asad Mahmood, while the FIA and police registered a terrorism-related case against his secretary, Mufti Abrar Ahmed.

JUI-F subsequently organized protest demonstrations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing opposition to the actions and what it described as propaganda against its leadership.

Bilawal Contacts Maulana Fazlur Rehman

In a significant political development, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reportedly contacted Maulana Fazlur Rehman by telephone following the controversy.

According to sources, Bilawal expressed concern over the actions against the JUI-F chief and maintained that political victimization through state institutions contradicted democratic principles. He also emphasized that opposition leaders should be allowed to criticize the government responsibly and that a strong opposition was essential for parliamentary democracy.

PML-N Leaders Also Advocate Negotiations

A similar position has emerged among senior PML-N figures. Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry recently stated in the National Assembly that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet members and senior government representatives were prepared to engage with opposition parties to resolve political differences through negotiations.

Tariq Fazal had also participated in a delegation that visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence on October 7. The delegation, which included National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Rana Sanaullah, discussed efforts to reduce political tensions and seek mediation.

Ikhtiar Wali Khan has likewise supported dialogue with Maulana, highlighting the importance of JUI-F’s cooperation for political stability and law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Political Differences Within the Ruling Coalition

The developments indicate differing approaches within the ruling coalition. While Mohsin Naqvi and Khawaja Asif have adopted a tougher stance, Bilawal Bhutto and certain PML-N leaders appear to favour political engagement.

Observers believe pushing JUI-F entirely towards the opposition, particularly into closer cooperation with PTI, could create parliamentary difficulties for the government. Such a development may become particularly significant as the government faces major legislative challenges requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

The emerging emphasis on negotiations suggests that maintaining political cooperation with Maulana Fazlur Rehman could remain important for the ruling coalition’s stability and legislative agenda.