Maulana Fazlur Rehman Criticizes Government Over 26th Amendment, Warns of Nationwide Protests

Islamabad:Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana **Fazlur Rehman** has criticized the government for its actions following the 26th Amendment, accusing it of resuming practices that his party had opposed during the legislative process.

Speaking at an event in **Lodhran**, Maulana Fazl said that the government had exerted pressure on JUI-F to pass the amendment bill in its original form, but the party had successfully reduced 34 out of the 56 clauses in the bill. “We were forced to review the draft, and after scrutinizing it, we refused to support it,” he stated.

Fazlur Rehman further highlighted that despite several rounds of negotiations with the government, the ruling party had kept the draft of the bill hidden initially. Once it was reviewed, JUI-F decided not to back the bill due to its controversial content.

On the issue of **Islamic laws**, the JUI-F leader expressed concern over the government’s failure to implement recommendations from the **Council of Islamic Ideology**. He recalled that the **Federal Shariat Court** had ordered the elimination of the interest-based system in the country and stated, “The court has decided that the interest system in society should end by January 1, 2028.”

Maulana Fazl also raised concerns about **madrasas (religious schools)**, saying that before the elections, there had been an agreement on a draft bill related to madrasas. He emphasized that madrasas play a critical role in guiding the nation and are part of the country’s religious identity, declaring that they would not allow them to be dismantled or undermined.

He made a stern warning, stating, “If our demands are not met, we will take to the streets across the country in protest.”

Maulana Fazl’s comments indicate increasing tensions between his party and the government, with JUI-F making it clear that it will not back down on its stance regarding Islamic reforms and the protection of religious institutions.