Nawaz Sharif's PML-N invites JUI-F to join govt. in Centre

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has invited Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) to join its government at the Centre while turning down the latter's offer to form a coalition government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where its rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has emerged as the largest party in May 11 polls.

PML-N's central leader Shahbaz Sharif extended the offer to JUI-F chief Fazlur Rahman. The PML-N has secured 124 seats in the National Assembly, whereas the JUI-F took 10 seats in the recent elections, reports the Daily Times.

However, both sides diverged on the formation of government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Fazl insisted on installing a coalition government, but the PML-N supported PTI in forming its government in the province where it is the leading party.

According to sources, Fazl contended that if the PTI was allowed to form provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa it would further damage the two parties, and for the political interests of both the parties, Imran Khan-led PTI should be prevented from forming the government.

However, Shahbaz replied that not accepting the mandate of PTI would create a bad impression and might hurt the credibility of both parties.