JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman Warns Government Over Seminary Bill

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has issued a stern warning to the government, cautioning against politicizing the Madrassa Registration Bill. Speaking at a press conference, he reaffirmed his party’s firm stance on the issue, stating that JUI-F would not compromise on the rights of madrassas and scholars.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the government for allegedly attempting to create divisions among clerics by selectively engaging with specific scholars. He termed these actions a conspiracy to weaken the unity of religious institutions and their representatives.

“Madrasas are independent institutions and are not subordinate to the government,” Maulana Fazl emphasized, accusing the authorities of trying to impose control over seminaries through international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). He asserted that the JUI-F’s struggle is not for its own interests but for the preservation of madrassas and the protection of the country’s institutions.

Revised Draft and Deadlock in Negotiations

The government handed over a revised draft of the Madrassa Registration Bill to JUI-F earlier today as part of ongoing negotiations to resolve the deadlock. The draft was presented during a consultation between JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza and the government’s legal team.

Proposals included madrassa registration under the Ministry of Education or alternatively under Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices or the Ministry of Interior. The government also offered to revisit the terms of a 2019 agreement in an effort to reach a consensus.

Senator Kamran Murtaza is expected to brief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the revised draft. According to sources, Maulana Fazl will consult the party’s central council and madrassa representatives before delivering a formal response to the government.

This development highlights the sensitive nature of the madrassa registration issue, which continues to be a contentious topic in Pakistan’s socio-political landscape.