PPP, JUI-F forge alliance for Senate by-polls

ISLAMABAD: In a significant political development aimed at fostering political reconciliation, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and JUI-F have announced cooperation in the upcoming Senate elections scheduled for March 14.

The delegation from the JUI-F, led by its Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, visited the PPP Central Secretariat in Islamabad on Tuesday for a meeting with former prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari and MNA Ijaz Jhakrani.

The discussions revolved around cooperation in the Senate elections and other matters of mutual interest.

As per the agreement, the PPP will extend its support to JUI-F in Balochistan during the Senate elections, while the JUI-F will support Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside JUI-F Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari and Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani expressed their appreciation for the parliamentary delegation from the JUI-F at the PPP Secretariat. Bokhari emphasised that the elections on March 14 are for vacant Senate seats, including three from Balochistan. He confirmed the PPP’s support for the JUI-F in Balochistan and JUI-F’s support for Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in the Senate elections for Islamabad.

Responding to a query, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari said that political dialogue remains open. Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, also Vice Chairman of PPP, welcomed the JUI-F leadership and highlighted their previous meetings, particularly during the presidential campaign.

JUI Secretary General Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri noted positive progress in political terms and affirmed his support for Yusuf Raza Gilani in the Senate elections. He clarified that while the decision on votes within the Senate had been made, the JUI-F would not partake in government formation. He indicated a future strategy discussion within the JUI-F after Ramazan.