JUI-F Chief Warns Protest Over Madrassa Bill Delay
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has threatened to launch a protest campaign if the government continues to delay notifying the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act 2024. Addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday, Fazl accused the government of breaching agreements regarding madrassa registration, bank accounts, and foreign student visas.
Fazlur Rehman’s Concerns
Maulana Fazl expressed frustration, stating that:
1.Agreement Broken: Previously, the government agreed to cooperate in registering madrassas and maintaining existing registrations. However, no progress was made on bank accounts or visas for foreign students.
2.Presidential Objection: The bill faced an objection from President Asif Ali Zardari on October 28, which was resolved as a “human error” by the NA speaker. Fazl insisted that under the Constitution, the president cannot raise objections twice, and the bill should automatically become law after 10 days.
The JUI-F leader slammed the government’s delay and questioned whether foreign powers like the FATF were influencing legislation. “Are our laws being dictated by outsiders?” he asked.
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Law Minister’s Response
Responding to Fazl’s remarks, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that:
•Under Article 75, if the president returns a bill, it must be re-presented in a joint parliamentary session for approval.
•The legislative process requires presidential assent to complete.
Fazl, however, argued that the speaker had already addressed the issue, and the bill had effectively become law. “Separate these matters—let it become law first, and then we can discuss further,” he urged.
Wifaqul Madaris and ITMD Back Fazl
The Wifaqul Madaris al Arabia, led by Mufti Taqi Usmani, has also thrown its weight behind Fazl. During a central executive meeting, the body endorsed the decision of Ittehad Tanzimat Madaris Deenia (ITMD) to launch a mass awareness campaign:
•Friday Congregations: The public will be informed during Friday sermons and other madrassa gatherings.
•Opposition to Delays: The body condemned the government’s “unacceptable delaying tactics,” warning that the freedom and independence of religious seminaries would be protected.
The Wifaqul Madaris emphasized unity among madrassa organizations, declaring any government interference or dictation as intolerable.
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What’s Next?
The delay in notifying the madrassa bill has stirred controversy, with JUI-F and allied religious bodies vowing to protect their stance. As tensions rise, the government faces pressure to resolve the matter to avoid widespread protests.
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