PM Shehbaz, Fazl speak on reducing tensions between federal, KP govts

On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam—Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The primary subjects under discussion were reducing tensions between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration. According to a PMO statement, PM Shehbaz congratulated Maulana Fazl on performing Umrah and invited him to talks at the Prime Minister’s House.

The JUI-F leader accepted the invitation, with the meeting anticipated to occur soon. The call came after a series of interactions between Fazl and opposition politicians, yet the Oct 3 talks aimed at reconciling differences between the federal government and the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) coalition fell short, primarily due to differing perspectives on counterterrorism policy.

Prior to the unsuccessful talks, TTAP leaders visited Maulana Fazl at his residence, during which the veteran politician cautioned the federal government against impeding the PTI's planned long march towards Islamabad. The following day, a group comprising Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met with Maulana Fazl.

On Thursday, PTI MNA Junaid Akbar confirmed Maulana Fazl's intention to assist in ending the standoff between the government and opposition, stating that the PTI's doors are open for such discussions. It was noted that Fazl had been in contact with PTI leadership while away for Umrah, although no specific framework was presented for his role in negotiations.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also hinted at efforts to rekindle negotiations, expressing cautious optimism regarding the outcome.

Maulana Fazl's spokesman, Aslam Ghauri, clarified that the JUI-F chief's role is that of a "facilitator, not a mediator," emphasizing the priority of bringing both sides to the table for resuming talks. The JUI-F leader stated that engaging in dialogue would benefit both parties, although he highlighted that the resumption of discussions would primarily aid the PTI due to the virtual management of the KP government by external forces.

Heightened tensions between the federal government, led by the PML-N, and the KP administration, governed by the PTI, have been prevalent over issues such as counterterrorism policy. The PTI contends that it is excluded from security decisions concerning KP, an assertion the federal government denies. Both sides dispute the KP government's counterterrorism efforts and its stance on engaging with the Afghan Taliban.

Recent federal actions against the PTI, including warnings against staging a long march and linking policy disagreements to potential emergency rule in KP, have further exacerbated the situation. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized the KP government for perceived negligence in governance, alleging misappropriation of funds intended for development projects, while the PTI attributed the spending to organizing protests.