Fazlur Rehman says Pakistan government abandoned mediation commitments

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Fazlur Rehman accused Pakistan's government of abandoning commitments during talks with the opposition. He spoke on October 11 after emergency rule was imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At an Islamabad news conference, Rehman said he had tried to coordinate steps between federal authorities and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. In his account, the government wanted the protest march called off first, while the opposition sought access to jailed Imran Khan and necessary medical care for him. He said his mediation followed his return from Umrah on October 7.

Rehman said Sohail Afridi agreed to halt the march if those demands were met. He relayed that position to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and planned further consultations. During the cabinet meeting, however, Ishaq Dar informed him of plans to impose emergency rule.

The government offered a different assessment. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said repeated negotiating efforts had failed to produce a breakthrough, Aaj reported.

Rehman rejected the emergency measures and said his party would challenge them through parliament and the courts. His account of commitments reflects his position as a participant in the talks.