Madrasas Are Fortresses of Islam, Misunderstandings Will Be Resolved: Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove

QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, speaking in the provincial assembly, said that religious seminaries are the “fortresses of Islam” and assured that misunderstandings regarding them would be addressed through dialogue.
He stated that some recent arrests were linked to madrassa-related cases, which is why the government has asked all seminaries to be registered. “We stand with the seminaries and will resolve their concerns,” he said, adding that discussions would be held with Chief Minister upon his arrival in Quetta to find a mutually acceptable solution.
During the session, Public Accounts Committee Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen said that the government wants to register seminaries under the Charities Act, while stakeholders prefer registration under the Madrassa Societies Act. He questioned whether educational institutions such as universities had ever been shut down due to arrests of individuals linked to them.
Tareen announced that protests would be held on Wednesday, adding that on May 10 they would come to Quetta carrying copies of the Holy Quran and prayer mats and stage a sit-in on the roads in protest.
Provincial Minister Haji Ali Madad Jatak said that the government delegation, along with the Chief Minister, would visit Maulana Abdul Wasay’s residence to hold talks on the matter.
PPP parliamentary leader and Provincial Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani also expressed respect for religious scholars and seminaries, stating that the issue would be resolved through dialogue. “There is no hostility; we will sit together and resolve the matter amicably,” he added.