Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has suggested he might initiate an anti-government movement due to concerns about the Madrasah Registration Bill.
Speaking at Jamia Usmania in Peshawar, Rehman raised questions about President Asif Zardari’s intentions behind the objections to the bill.
Rehman expressed concern that pressuring religious madrasahs could push them towards extremism. He warned that if government pressure persisted, he would escalate his response by introducing anti-government slogans at the next anti-Israel rally.
Ultimatum for Madrasah Bill Approval
On December 6, JUI-F set a December 8 deadline for the government to pass the Madrasah Registration Bill. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, a leader within JUI-F, emphasized the urgency, stating, “We are religious people and do not wish to take such a step, but the country cannot bear this delay.” Haidri hinted at a potential march toward Islamabad if the bill was not approved by the deadline, criticizing the delay as a deliberate obstruction.
Assurances and Challenges
Haidri also mentioned assurances from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who had promised to discuss the bill with President Zardari to secure its passage. Responding to questions about potential political changes at the PM House, Haidri expressed scepticism about the government’s direction post-election, highlighting a lack of acknowledgement of the current electoral outcomes.
He clarified that the bill enjoys support from JUI-F, Wafaqul Madaris, and all religious seminary organizations. Despite this backing, the bill faces significant hurdles; President Zardari recently returned it to the Prime Minister’s Office, citing legal concerns, particularly about the clarity over madrasah registration jurisdiction.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating religious schools, which the government has pushed for, following commitments made to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a crucial political ally.
