The initiation of the Grand Dialogue, aimed at achieving a breakthrough innational politics in anticipation of the upcoming elections, has commenced.This significant endeavor is expected to involve all political parties,including traditional rivals such as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan(JUI-F) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sources have indicated that a pivotal step toward the Grand Dialogue wastaken during a recent meeting between a delegation from the PTI and JUI-F’sleader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman. This encounter marked a notable developmenton the political landscape, given the public rivalry between both partiesand their respective leaders.
During the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman sought a commitment from the PTIteam to ensure fair competition among all political parties in the upcominggeneral elections. Additionally, he stressed the significance of achievingcomplete political harmony and sought the support of PTI Chairman ImranKhan, who was reported to be imprisoned at the time, in forming a newalliance.
Sources have also revealed that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-ChairmanAsif Zardari discussed this initiative with Maulana Fazlur Rehman,encouraging political parties to create space for each other.
The PTI team requested some time to deliberate on the possibility offorming a new political alliance with their party chairman. They alsocontemplated involving other political parties, such as the PPP, aspotential participants in the evolving political arrangement.
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The Grand Dialogue is perceived as a crucial approach to address thepolitical polarization in Pakistan and to establish common ground on vitalissues, with the ultimate goal of ensuring timely and fair elections.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that earlier in the day, PTI senior leaderAsad Qaiser clarified that the discussions with JUI-F chief Maulana FazlurRehman did not center around political matters. He made this statement tothe media after leading a PTI delegation to offer condolences to MaulanaFazlur Rehman on the passing of his mother-in-law.