Former premier Nawaz Sharif telephoned Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday and vowed to play the part of opposition ‘actively’.

According to sources, the ex-PM said that sitting with the government was repugnant to their stance and assured the JUI-F chief that this won’t happen again. 

He cited distance from the homeland and ailment as the reason for the delay in contact with Fazl. Nawaz stressed the need for convening Rehbar Committee to devise a comprehensive strategy to launch a joint campaign against the government. Fazl said the PML-N is close to JUI-F ideologically.

The sources said Fazl urged Nawaz not to appear in NAB proceedings as according to him NAB was being used for political persecution. 

Two major opposition parties’ support to the government’s legislation weeks ago made Fazl angry and he announced last week that his party would participate only in ‘purposeful’ all-party conference (APC).