Maulana Fazlur Rehman Announces Nationwide Protests Against Underage Marriage Legislation

Peshawar: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced a countrywide protest against proposed legislation concerning underage marriages, calling it an attempt to undermine Pakistan’s Islamic identity.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized recent legislative efforts, claiming they are being driven by external influences such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and United Nations (UN) resolutions. “First, legislation was made on the basis of IMF recommendations. Now, UN resolutions are being cited to push laws regarding underage marriages,” he stated.
The JUI-F leader accused the government of making laws that contradict the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. “Such legislation is weakening democracy and emboldening the narrative of militant groups in the country,” he warned.
He also expressed concern over the delay in presidential assent on the legislation concerning religious seminaries, alleging that efforts are underway to erode Pakistan’s Islamic foundations.
Referring to past reforms under General Pervez Musharraf, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, “Even then, laws related to women were passed. The reality is that legal hurdles are being created for legitimate marriages, while facilitating immorality and sexual crimes.”
He further noted that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has already rejected the proposed underage marriage law, reinforcing his party’s position.
The JUI-F leader vowed to resist what he sees as an attack on Islamic values, stating that his party will hold nationwide protests to oppose the legislation.