Hafiz Naeem Urges Continuation of 2019 Madrassa Registration Agreement, Opposes JUI-F’s Stand

Faisalabad:Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman**, the Amir (chief) of **Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan**, has strongly opposed the stance of **Maulana Fazlur Rehman**, the leader of **Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F)**, on the **Madrassa Registration Bill**. Addressing a gathering of Jamaat-e-Islami members in **Faisalabad**, Hafiz Naeem clarified his position on the controversial issue and reiterated his support for the **2019 Madrassa Registration Agreement**, emphasizing that the registration process should continue as per the terms of that agreement.

### **Hafiz Naeem Criticizes Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Position on Madrassa Registration**

In a media interaction following his address, Hafiz Naeem pointed out that according to the **2019 agreement**, the registration of madrassas (religious schools) should continue without any hindrance. He criticized the conflicting stance of Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the matter, stating that the latter’s opposition to the registration process under the existing framework was unwarranted. Hafiz Naeem argued that if there were any ambiguities or issues with the agreement, Maulana Fazlur Rehman should have consulted with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Education and other federations involved.

### **Government’s Response and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Plan of Action**

Hafiz Naeem also mentioned that **Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi** had visited **Jamaat-e-Islami’s headquarters, Mansoorah**, to update the leadership on progress concerning **IPPs (Independent Power Producers) contracts**. He stated that Jamaat-e-Islami had made it clear to the government that if the people do not receive relief, protests would be the only option left for them.

“We are forming committees across the country, and we will vigorously struggle for the rights of the people,” Hafiz Naeem emphasized. He also urged the government to take action before the situation escalates, suggesting that they reduce **electricity tariffs** to provide immediate relief to the public.

### **On Gas Price Hike and Provincial Assembly’s Salary Increase**

In his address, Hafiz Naeem highlighted the **25% increase in gas prices** and pointed out the contrasting decision of the **Punjab Assembly**, which had raised the salaries of its members by up to **1,000%** on the same day. He condemned the government’s actions, saying such measures were proof of the disconnect between the ruling class and the struggles of ordinary people.

### **Clarifying Jamaat-e-Islami’s Position on Madrassa Registration**

Regarding the **Madrassa Registration Bill**, Hafiz Naeem reiterated that Jamaat-e-Islami’s stance is in line with the 2019 agreement. He called for the continuation of the registration process as per that agreement but also expressed that if any madrassa wishes to register under the **Societies Act**, it should be allowed to do so. He made it clear that Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on the matter is vastly different from that of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who had questioned the current approach.

### **Role of the Judiciary and the 26th Constitutional Amendment**

Addressing the issue of **judicial independence**, Hafiz Naeem stated that those who were part of the **26th Constitutional Amendment** had undermined the judiciary’s power, and hence the **Madrassa Registration Bill** should not be linked with it. He emphasized that no one should be allowed to spread **anti-state propaganda**, especially considering Pakistan’s ideological foundation as a country built on religious principles. He concluded by asserting that it is the collective responsibility of all Pakistanis to safeguard the country’s ideology.

### **Conclusion**

Hafiz Naeem’s strong stance on the **Madrassa Registration Bill** and the ongoing **electricity and gas price hikes** positions Jamaat-e-Islami as a vocal opposition force, advocating for the rights of the common people while continuing to push for the protection of religious and educational institutions. His opposition to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s position further underscores the growing divide between the two leaders on key national issues.