ISLAMABAD: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was yet to come to a decision regarding joining Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) government at the centre but there was “progress in talks.”

The PML-N and JUI-F leadership on Saturday held preliminary consultations for cooperation in the formation of government.

A three member PML-N delegation, led by Raja Zafarul Haq, met the JUI-F leadership and formally invited the latter to join the government.

Later talking to media representatives, Haq and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said there was progress in their talks. Answering a question why PML-N was inviting other parties when it has simple majority at the centre, Raja Zafarul Haq said that country was facing immense challenges and these require broad-based support for the ruling party to address them agreeably.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the decision will be taken on finalisation of the contours of the cooperation and the objectives to be achieved. He said his party leaders were still speculating the options.

“We are serious about the country. We do not have the desire for power. Coming to power was a responsibility,” said Rehman.

The JUI-F chief had called a meeting with party leaders to reach a decision about joining PML-N or sitting in the opposition benches earlier on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Sherazi brothers of Thattha have announced to join the PML-N in a meeting with Shahbaz Sharif earlier in the day in Lahore’s Model Town. Ayaz Shah Sherazi, Shah Hussain Sherazi, Ijaz Shah Sherazi and Ameer Haider Sherazi expressed their full confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif.

The JUI-F had announced that it would stage protests across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against alleged rigging during the May 11 elections.

However, Shahbaz Sharif met Rehman on Thursday and reportedly put forward a formal invitation for the JUI-F to ally with the PML-N to form a coalition government at the centre and in Balochistan.

The central working committee of JUI-F is expected to reach to a decision regarding joining the PML-N government at the centre in their scheduled meeting on Sunday. – PPI/DawnNews