Despite hints from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) suggesting the possibility of “good news,” it became apparent on Saturday that efforts to win over Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had failed. The Maulana’s departure for Karachi underscored his decision to refrain from joining the government formed by the PML-N, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and other allied parties following the February 8 general elections, where the JUI-F faced a significant defeat.

Arriving in Karachi, Maulana Fazlur Rehman remained steadfast in his resolve to stay away from the government coalition, despite his past support for a former ally, Shehbaz Sharif, to assume the prime ministerial position in 2022.

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The JUI-F, adamant about staying in the opposition, has vehemently rejected the election results of February 8 and shows no inclination to support the coalition.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s visit to Karachi included a meeting with JUI-F Sindh members in Korangi, scheduled for Sunday. The meeting, deemed “important,” will bring together members from all districts of JUI Sindh, where Maulana Fazlur Rehman is expected to address election rigging issues and provide instructions to JUI Sindh officials. Additionally, a press conference addressing pertinent matters is scheduled.

This development follows PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence in Islamabad in a bid to seek support for the coalition government. Despite these efforts, JUI-F had abstained during the National Assembly’s speaker and deputy speaker voting, indicating a reluctance to join the coalition. Rana Sanaullah’s subsequent attempt to sway Fazl also failed to secure JUI-F’s backing for the PML-N-led coalition.