Maulana Fazlur Rehman Warns Government Over Madrasa Bill Changes
ISLAMABAD – JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has asserted that the government is the primary obstacle in the registration of madrasas and warned of a public confrontation if changes are made to the agreed terms in the Madrasa Bill.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman raised concerns about parliamentary representation but acknowledged the house’s duties. He pointed to past instances of collaboration between the opposition and government benches, such as the 26th Constitutional Amendment, as examples of how differences can be overcome for consensus.
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The JUI-F leader also reflected on the history of madrasa regulation, noting that issues first emerged in 2004, which led to legislation aimed at ensuring that madrasas avoided extremist content. In 2010, agreements were made to address complaints through affiliated organizations rather than direct governmental intervention. However, the 18th Amendment disrupted these agreements, according to Fazlur Rehman.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the government’s failure to implement previous agreements that would allow madrasas to register, open bank accounts, and issue visas to foreign students. Despite earlier commitments, no tangible progress has been made, and he accused the government of breaking promises.
He also condemned the establishment of new boards that are unrelated to previous agreements or legislative actions concerning madrasas. Rehman claimed that the government was undermining madrasa autonomy and reneging on its promises.
Concluding his remarks, he warned that any alterations to the agreed-upon terms would push the issue beyond the assembly and into public confrontation, as religious schools and their supporters would not tolerate further violations of their rights.
