PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has harshly criticized the President’s delay in signing the Madrassa Registration Bill. The bill was passed unanimously by both houses of Parliament after extensive discussions.
Speaking at an anti-Israel conference in Peshawar, Maulana Fazl accused the President of acting dishonestly. He pointed out that the delay comes despite long deliberations, including a five-hour discussion with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
“The Madrassa Registration Bill has support from all political parties. Its delay is deeply concerning,” he said. The JUI-F chief announced that madrassa representatives would decide on a protest strategy during an upcoming meeting.
“If needed, we will march on Islamabad. We are not afraid of threats or intimidation,” he warned. Maulana Fazl emphasized that interference in religious seminaries would not be tolerated.
The bill addresses the autonomy and registration of madrassas, linking their registration to the Ministry of Education while ensuring their independence. However, Maulana Fazl accused the government of betraying agreements and undermining trust.
“We made compromises in good faith, but your actions show dishonesty,” he stated. He criticized delays in issuing visas for foreign students and opening bank accounts for seminaries. Maulana Fazl also condemned bureaucratic manipulation and warned the government against further deception.
“Religious schools are independent. If we march, your bullets may run out, but our determination will remain strong,” he declared. He called for immediate action, giving the government a short deadline to resolve the matter.
During his speech, Maulana Fazl expressed solidarity with Palestinians. He accused the West of hypocrisy, highlighting the U.S. and Britain’s support for Israel’s actions against Palestinians. He condemned the bombing of civilians and questioned their moral authority to speak on human rights.
He also criticized former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf for allowing U.S. access to Pakistan’s airbases. “We opposed Musharraf then, and we will resist such actions again,” he said. Additionally, he questioned why the current government was silent on Israel despite India’s alliance with Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif instructed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s concerns about the Madrassa Registration Bill. The directive came during a meeting in Lahore, where the Prime Minister briefed Nawaz Sharif on the national situation, including economic improvements and rising foreign investments under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The two leaders discussed national security and agreed to hold accountable those harming unity. Nawaz Sharif assured Maulana Fazl would be taken into confidence on the bill. Both leaders also visited their parents’ graves in Jati Umra.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain cited legal issues as the reason for the bill’s delay. He clarified that the government respects Maulana Fazl’s demands and is committed to registering madrassas under the Ministry of Education.
The Madrassa Registration Bill aims to regulate seminaries and address concerns about oversight and extremism. However, it has faced criticism from some religious leaders, who argue that reforms could undermine the autonomy of madrassas.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned that undue pressure on madrassas could lead to a strong reaction. “If anyone thinks we will give up, they are mistaken. We are committed to this struggle,” he said.
