The work on the Grand Dialogue to achieve a breakthrough in national politics has started ahead of the upcoming elections.
All political parties including rivals like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are expected to participate in the dialogue.
According to sources, the recent meeting between a PTI delegation and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was an important step towards the Grand Dialogue.
The meeting was a 'nudge' felt on the political landscape as both parties are considered 'arch-rivals' with their respective heads lampooning each other publicly.
Reportedly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman asked for a commitment from the PTI team that they would cooperate to ensure a fair competition among all political parties in the upcoming general elections.
Sources also said that the JUI-F leader emphasized the importance of full political harmony as he apparently sought PTI Chairman Imran Khan's [who is imprisoned] support for creating a new alliance.
Sources said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Zardari had also discussed this initiative with Maulana Fazlur Rehman and advised political parties to create space for each other.
The PTI team asked for some time to discuss the prospect of a fresh political alliance with the party chairman.
Both also contemplated involving other political parties such PPP as potential inductees in the evolving political arrangement.
The Grand Dialogue is seen as a way to address the political polarization in Pakistan and to find common ground on important issues as well as ensure timely elections.
PTI delegation meets Maulana Fazl
Earlier in the day, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser made it clear that discussions with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman did not revolve around political matters.
He addressed the media after meeting JUI-F head as he led a PTI delegation to express condolences to Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the death of his mother-in-law.
It was reported that Asad Qaiser and Ali Mohammad Khan had also engaged in discussions about the prevailing political landscape in the country with JUI-F chief.
Asad Qaiser however denied this and underlined the cultural values of the Pashtun community.
He said, "Sharing both joy and sorrow with political opponents is ingrained in the Pashtun cultural heritage."
