JUI-F cancels talks with government on Azadi March

ISLAMABAD: Talks between the government and Jamiat-e-Ulema-Fazl (JUI-F) scheduled to take place have been cancelled, sources said.

JUI-Fs Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and Senate Chairman Sanjari were scheduled to meet today.

According to sources, decision to hold talks with the government will now be done by the Rahbar Committee. A meeting of the Rahbar Committee has been called for October 22.

Sources further said JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman decided to hand over the decision of talks with the government with Rahbar Committee after discussion with opposition leaders.

Sources claim, JUI-F believes that the impression being given that they (JUI-F) directly want to negotiate with the government. To eliminate this impression, Fazl contacted all the opposition leaders and taken them into confidence and told them the Rahbar Committee will make a decision regarding the talks. 

Read also: PML-N announces support for Fazl-led Azadi March

Speaking to Geo News, Haideri confirmed about the cancellation of the talks between JUI-F and the government.

“We have informed Sadiq Sanjrani about the cancellation of the meeting,” Haideri said. “We are hopeful Sadiq Sanjrai will soon contact the Rahbar Committee.’

Govt hopeful of meaningful talks with Fazl: Khattak

A day earlier, Defence Minister Pervez  Khattak expressed his optimism that the government’s reconciliation committee would have meaningful negotiations with the JUI-F chief.

The minister said the government had constituted the reconciliation committee for peaceful resolution of their demands.

“The government was in constant contact with JUI-F and other opposition leaders to avert the march and was receiving positive response in that regard,” he said.

Read also: Fazl's refusal to talk to govt shows other agenda: Khattak

The minister said the peaceful protest was constitutional right of every political party and urged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to disclose his legal demands before the government for their amicable solutions.

He said the JUI-F chief should refrain from launching so-called Azadi March and warned that strict action would be taken if protesters damaged the public property.

“If talks fail, the responsibility will lie upon the opposition parties,” he said while expressing the resolve that the government would not let the marchers to challenge the state’s writ.

With additional information from APP