Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a visit to the home of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday, proposing the establishment of a committee to foster mutual cooperation in addressing various political issues collaboratively.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier received a warm welcome from the JUI-F chief during his visit.

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During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif inquired about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s well-being and praised his continuous efforts to advocate for a peaceful struggle to uphold democratic values. He also lauded the senior politician for his significant religious contributions.

The visit comes amid ongoing discussions about political negotiations in the country. The opposition party PTI has already expressed its readiness for dialogue.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed on May 19 that his party sought guarantees from the PTI before joining the latter’s opposition alliance, the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP).

During a joint press conference with PTI leaders after their meeting in Islamabad on May 19, the JUI-F chief stated that his party had not yet decided to join the opposition alliance but acknowledged the ongoing efforts to persuade it to do so.

Responding to a journalist’s question about whether the JUI-F had sought any guarantees from the PTI before starting an anti-government movement, Fazl affirmed the affirmative.

“Yes, when serious negotiations are held, certain measures are necessary to build trust.”

The JUI-F chief also questioned who they should engage in talks with.

“Will the prime minister, the president, or the army chief conduct the negotiations?”