ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the prevailing political situation, particularly developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march.
According to sources, the prime minister contacted the JUI-F chief late at night following a meeting chaired by him to review the political situation.
During the conversation, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his position that the issues should be resolved through mutual understanding and dialogue.
The prime minister appreciated Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political services and his conciliatory approach, saying the federal government had made every possible effort to resolve matters through political means, sources said.
Shehbaz Sharif said PTI’s insistence on proceeding with its long march and its alleged lack of focus on measures to combat terrorism had contributed to the problems. He stressed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the opposition should take the situation seriously and work towards resolving the issues.
The prime minister said the government remained willing to engage in negotiations and pursue a political settlement. However, he urged the opposition to refrain from advancing towards the federal capital, saying such an approach would aggravate the situation rather than resolve it.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the national economy, saying the government wanted to ensure political stability in the country.