The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has issued a strong ultimatum to the federal government, warning of a protest march towards Islamabad if the long-awaited Madrasah Registration Bill is not passed by December 8.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman that the government’s concerns regarding the bill will be addressed. Sharif also invited Rehman for a direct meeting to resolve the issue.
Despite receiving approval from both chambers of Parliament, the bill aimed at regulating and registering religious seminaries has been repeatedly delayed.
JUI-F’s General Secretary Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri voiced his discontent, accusing the government of intentionally stalling the bill’s progress.
“The delay in passing the bill is a deliberate move, but we remain firm in our demand for its approval by December 8,” Haideri stated at a press conference.
He made it clear that, although the party does not seek to hold protests, the extended delay was unacceptable, especially as the bill has garnered widespread support from JUI-F, Wafaqul Madaris, and other religious seminaries in Pakistan.
The bill had been returned earlier by President Asif Ali Zardari, who raised concerns about its legal clarity and jurisdiction.
The matter has prompted discussions among top government officials, with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently to reassure him that the bill will be passed.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also engaged in talks with JUI-F leaders, while other key figures, including Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and Senator Faisal Vawda, have been in contact with Rehman to smooth over differences.
With the deadline rapidly approaching, both the government and JUI-F are making urgent efforts to resolve the situation surrounding the Madrasah Registration Bill.
