Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam leader Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman said on Tuesday that his party favoured sitting in the opposition instead of government, according to sources.

Fazal reportedly made the remarks during a meeting with Shehbaz Sharif, who called on the JUI chief late on Tuesday night.

The leader also asked Shehbaz how his mandate had been stolen in the elections.

Shehbaz invited Fazal to join the alliance looking to set up a government. However, Fazal told Shehbaz that he would put the proposals infront of his party’s central committee.

Earlier, representatives of six parties had addressed a joint press conference in Islamabad, saying they would try to form govt together.

Multiple media representatives had asked Shehbaz abuot Fazal’s absence from the scene and wondered if he would be part of the new alliance.