Maulana Fazlur Rehman Criticizes Government’s Delay in Signing Religious Schools Bill, Vows Protest Action

Islamabad:Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has expressed strong discontent over the government’s refusal to sign a bill related to religious schools (Madrasas). Speaking at the *”Israel Murdabad”* (Down with Israel) conference in Peshawar, he called the delay in signing the bill a malicious act and announced plans for an upcoming meeting with religious school leaders to devise a strategy for future action.

Maulana Fazl also assured his supporters that they should be ready for a possible march toward Islamabad, vowing that any attempt to prevent such a movement would be futile. He declared, “We do not recognize the current government, as it is an establishment-backed regime. If we decide to move toward Islamabad, no force will be able to stop us.”

The JUI-F chief also touched upon the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, warning that if a specific 56-clause bill had been passed, it would have endangered both the country and its institutions. He claimed that through negotiation, they managed to reduce the bill to 34 clauses and added some amendments concerning usury (interest) and the Federal Shariat Court.

In addition to the constitutional amendment, Maulana Fazl raised concerns over the bill concerning religious schools. He revealed that a consensus had been reached on the bill, which passed through both houses of parliament. However, the President refused to sign it.

Maulana Fazl reiterated the JUI-F’s position on the government’s interference in religious schools. “We do not accept state intervention in our madrasas. They will continue to operate independently,” he stated.

Regarding the decision to establish a directorate for madrasa registration, Maulana Fazl clarified that this was not part of any agreement and voiced his opposition to it. He emphasized that religious institutions should remain free from government control.

On a broader political note, Maulana Fazl highlighted that the ruling establishment has consistently denied the ideology of Pakistan, asserting, “Pakistan is not just the name of our government departments; it is a state built on the foundation of its people.”

He also made a sharp remark about the leadership of the country, stating, “You think the religious leaders will tire, but that’s your mistake. Our struggle will continue, and we will win this war.”

Turning to international issues, Maulana Fazl condemned the ongoing massacre of Muslims in Palestine, criticizing the silence of the Western world. “Israel cannot defeat Palestinian resistance fighters; it is bombing innocent and helpless Muslims. We stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers in these challenging times.”

He also called out the hypocrisy of the Indian government, stating, “Modi openly declares support for Israel, yet you, the rulers of Pakistan, cannot muster the courage to openly support the Palestinians.”

Maulana Fazl’s fiery remarks were a call to action for his supporters, urging them to stand firm in the fight for religious and national rights, both within Pakistan and globally.