Fazl says no talks with govt until PM resigns

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has ruled out any possibility of talks with the government.

The maulana said negotiations with the government can take place only after the prime minister resigns.

His statement comes shortly after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the government has formed a committee to hold talks with the JUI-F.

Speaking to the media, he said Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak would lead the committee.

PPP backs Maulana

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said his party has decided to throw weight behind Maulana Fazlur Rehman and support his decision going against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.

Bilawal while speaking to media in Rato Dero reiterated: “PPP thinks government will have to go."

He said a lot of people have been rendered jobless under a conspiracy and the government is now planning to deprive more people of employment by closing 400 departments.

“Fawad Chaudhry’s narrative is the actual policy of Khan Saheb,” he said in a reference to the Science and Technology Minister’s recent statement.

The minister was reported to have said that government was not responsible for providing jobs.

But the minister later rejected the reports saying he was talking about government jobs only.

Read more: Fawad Chaudhry cautions masses not to look towards govt for jobs

PML-N calls for fresh election

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Ahsan Iqbal said his party supports Maulana Fazlur Rehman's demand for the prime minister's resignation.

Calling for fresh election, he said sending the government home was vital to protect the country.