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Fazlur Rehman Mediation efforts have gained fresh momentum as the government’s negotiating committee submitted its report on a meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.
According to government sources, the JUI-F chief is prepared to play a role in ending the ongoing negotiations deadlock and helping resolve outstanding political disputes. The development comes as tensions remain high between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Fazlur Rehman Mediation Gains Momentum
The latest development follows a meeting between Fazlur Rehman and a government delegation as political efforts continue to find a way out of the impasse.
The delegation was led by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The delegation discussed the prevailing political situation and the stalled dialogue process with the JUI-F chief.
Sources said Fazlur Rehman expressed willingness to facilitate discussions aimed at reducing political tensions and resolving the differences between the government and opposition.
The government committee subsequently presented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with details of its discussion with the JUI-F leader, including his position on assuming a mediatory role.
Government Committee Briefs PM Shehbaz
The committee informed the prime minister about the conditions Fazlur Rehman has attached to his possible involvement in the negotiations.
A special message from the JUI-F chief was also conveyed to Shehbaz Sharif, according to government sources. A telephone conversation between the prime minister and Fazlur Rehman is now expected as the government considers the next stage of the political dialogue.
Fazlur Rehman wants to first assess the seriousness and commitment of both sides before formally taking on the role of mediator.He has asked the parties to respond to his conditions before making a final decision.
Conditions for a Mediatory Role
Fazlur Rehman has laid down conditions for participating in the mediation process. Sources cited by several Pakistani media outlets said the JUI-F leader wants both sides to demonstrate a genuine commitment to finding a political solution.
He has reportedly stressed the importance of negotiations and mutual understanding rather than escalation.
Fazlur Rehman had also advised the government against imposing governor’s rule or emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging political issues to be addressed through dialogue.
The JUI-F chief’s position has consequently placed him in a potentially important role as the government and PTI remain divided over several issues.
Why Government-PTI Talks Stalled
The government and PTI have already held multiple rounds of discussions, but the process failed to produce a breakthrough.
The latest talks ended in deadlock after the two sides remained divided over key political and security-related matters. The disagreement came as PTI continued preparations for its long march towards Islamabad.
The situation subsequently intensified, with PTI supporters beginning a march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards the federal capital. The government has opposed the march and increased security arrangements around Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly called on PTI to abandon its long march and return to negotiations. On October 6, he said the government was prepared to hold meaningful talks if the protest and march were called off.
Shehbaz Sharif May Contact Fazlur Rehman
The expected telephone contact between Shehbaz Sharif and Fazlur Rehman could provide a clearer indication of how the mediation process will proceed.
If the two sides agree on the basic framework proposed by Fazlur Rehman, he could become an intermediary between the government and opposition in an attempt to reopen stalled negotiations. Reports have indicated that a direct meeting between the prime minister and the JUI-F chief could also be possible if Fazlur Rehman gives the go-ahead for formal mediation.
What Could Happen Next
The immediate focus is now on the response of the government and opposition to Fazlur Rehman’s conditions.
If both sides show flexibility, his involvement could create another channel for political dialogue and potentially reduce tensions surrounding the PTI protest movement.
However, significant differences remain, and there is no confirmed agreement yet on a comprehensive settlement. The success of any Fazlur Rehman Mediation effort will ultimately depend on whether the government and PTI are prepared to compromise on their respective positions and return to substantive negotiations.See More on Pulse Pakistan
