The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has claimed that the former ruling party, upon directions of its founder Imran Khan, will join hands with Majlis-e-Wahdat-Muslimeen to form its governments in Centre and Punjab.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Tuesday, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said that the former prime minister, while ruling out the prospects of any talks with the Pakistan Muslim League-N, Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-P, has directed the party to form a coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over reserved seats.
“Those who have emerged victorious in the [February 8] polls, should be allowed to form the government as it is their right, he said while conveying Khan’s message.
“I have been given the mandate [by Imran to approach all political parties to continue the party’s political struggle for democratic values with the exception of the PML-N, MQM-P and the PPP,” Hasan added.
The PTI-backed candidates after joining the MWM, can get reserve seats as proportionate to their total number of seats in the NA. Roughly, if it happens, then they can get more than 20 seats.
The PTI’s announcement came shortly after JI Deputy Amir Liaquat Baloch confirmed that the party has been in contact with the PTI on the matter of forming the government.
Baloch had a telephonic conversation with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Senator Azam Swati in this regard, following which JI gave its consent for unified action.
Sources claim that leaders of the two parties will meet soon in Islamabad to hammer out further details and options available to form a government or take the role of the opposition.
“We are in touch with PTI leaders, if PTI needs JI to protect their independent candidates, we will welcome them,” said Baloch.
“As a political party, we are open and don’t have any demand, PTI has yet to put forward their demands.”Responding to the PTI’s announcement, JI deputy emir said “have received the message of forming government in K-P from the PTI”. “Will respond to it following discussions with the party,” he added.
Baloch said his party was even prepared for an unconditional alliance.
