ISLAMABAD: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday vi­­sited the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and discussed matters related to the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltis­tan, as well as local politics.

The PPP chairman was accompanied by senior party leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Nayyar Bukhari and Chaudhry Yasin. According to sources, the meeting focused primarily on the political situation in AJK and GB.

While the election date has not been announced, the polls in AJK are exp­e­cted in June, whereas el­­e­ctions in GB could be de­­layed amid the tense situation following recent stro­ng anti-US protests there.

Both sides agreed to continue consultations on the matter. However, a serious matter of concern for the PPP was rumours circulating in political circles in the federal capital.

PPP raises reservations over ‘hasty legislation’

A senior JUI-F official indicated that the PPP had reservations over what it described as “hasty legislation” by the government.

The PPP also shared concerns regarding the contents of the proposed 28th Amendment.

During the meeting, the PPP chairman reportedly agreed with some of the JUI-F chief’s views, particularly regarding the legislative process.

The JUI-F chief, in turn, emphasised that rushed lawmaking could undermine the credibility of parliament. Despite political differences, the Maulana noted that his party shared a long-standing relationship of mutual respect with the PPP leadership.

The Maulana maintained that serious legislation, including any reduction in provincial autonomy granted under the 18th Amendment, should not be approved by parliament without thorough discussion.

Later, a delegation of the Grand Democratic Al­­l­i­­ance (GDA), led by PML-F leader Syed Rash­­id Shah Rashdi arrived at the residence of the JUI-F chief.

The GDA delegation also expressed concerns over any legislation that could usurp the rights of the provinces.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026