PTI decides against ending alliance with JI: reports

KARACHI: Despite growing differences with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has decided not to end its relationship with its Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa ally immediately, according to reports.

Reportedly, the party will try to sustain its alliance with JI till the caretaker governments are formed in the run-up to this year’s general elections.

However, PTI will not enter into any electoral alliance or seat adjustment with JI or Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) in the next elections at provincial or national level.

The decision came after a recent statement by JI chief Sirajul Haq, in which he accused the ruling party in KP of voting for Balochistan’s candidate on the orders of “the powers that be” in last month’s election for the Senate chairman.

Reportedly, the PTI leadership has analysed the mentioned statement in detail. The leadership has noted that there is little time left in the general elections, therefore the party should not end its alliance with JI on its own.

According to reports, if JI separates from the KP government, the chief minister will not dissolve the assembly and the provincial government will complete its tenure and if JI moves a no-confidence motion against the CM, then PTI will face it in a democratic way.

KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has been given the task of consulting the opposition leader for the appointment of a caretaker CM in the province and the matter should be resolved preferably between the two.

Meanwhile, JI is reportedly discussing the option of an early separation from the KP coalition with PTI.

PTI leader Asad Umer told a local news channel that the recent statement by the JI chief is condemnable.

“Our priority is the selection of the caretaker CM and JI has the choice to disassociate from the KP government but PTI will not go into any alliance with the JI in the next elections,” he said.

JI central spokesperson Amirul Azeem confirmed that the party is considering leaving the KP government.

“Even if JI decides to quit, it will not let the KP government fall,” he said, adding that the party will take part in the elections under the banner of MMA, ruling out any electoral alliance with PTI for now.

Azeem said the recent statement by the JI chief was based on facts.