Can’t make prediction about govt: Fazl

LAHORE: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said he can’t make any prediction on the future of the government, but it doesn’t enjoy public support.

He was talking to the media after meeting PMLQ President and former prime minister Ch Shujaat Hussein here on Tuesday. Punjab minister and elder son of Shujaat, Shafay Hussein, was present on the occasion.

Fazl’s meeting with Shujaat took place just a few days after his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari. Fazl, the top leader of PDM, has developed serious differences with allies, particularly after the February 8 general elections and even came close to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Just a few days ago, he also held a meeting with the PTI leadership and his stance against Shehbaz Sharif’s government and alleged rigging in the recent general elections has been very clear. He has also announced support for a strike call against inflation and imposition of new taxes. Fazl told the media this parliament was not the representative of Pakistan’s people. To a question, he said he was not a fortune-teller who could say something about the future of this government that lacked public support. On the Balochistan issue, he said the security agencies could better comment on the present occurrences in Balochistan. Locals should have the right to the resources of their province. The issues related to smaller provinces need to be addressed. To another question regarding reconciliation with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, he said the JUIF and PTI had nearly 12 years old differences that could not be sorted out immediately. It is up to the state institutions to decide about the May 9 issue. Regarding his meeting with Zardari, he said he came to him as a brother.