JUI-F denies reports of planned meeting with Imran Khan in jail

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Saturday dismissed media reports claiming that the party, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, had decided to meet imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

The reports, which circulated on electronic and social media, suggested that following behind-the-scenes contacts, JUI-F leadership, specifically Senator Kamran Murtaza, would visit Khan in prison.

The reports claimed that during the meeting, the two opposition parties would discuss strategies to challenge the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

However, the JUI-F quickly refuted these claims, calling the reports “rumours.”

A spokesperson for the party clarified that Senator Murtaza had not been tasked with any such meeting and there were no plans for a visit to Imran Khan in jail.

The JUI-F, however, reiterated its stance on the legal process involving PTI’s imprisoned leader. “There should be a fair trial in cases filed against the PTI founder,” the spokesperson said.

“We are and will remain in contact with the PTI as an opposition party,” the spokesperson added, confirming that consultations on various issues with PTI leadership would continue.

The denial follows last week’s reports suggesting a possible political alliance between JUI-F and PTI against the coalition government.

JUI-F leader Kamran Murtaza had previously clarified that there was no final decision on a joint protest with PTI, calling such a move “premature.”

As of now, the JUI-F maintains that it is not seeking any formal alliance with PTI, but continues to engage with the party on matters of mutual concern.