Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F), has postponed his party’s planned march to Islamabad, which was intended to pressure the government into enacting the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill. This bill aims to regulate the registration of madressahs (religious schools).
Addressing a conference against Israel in Peshawar on Sunday, Fazl explained that after consulting with prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, it was decided to hold a meeting with all allied madressahs. The goal is to unify their stance on the matter. This meeting is scheduled for December 16 or 17, after which the next course of action will be decided.
The Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, emerged from an agreement between JUI-F and the government as part of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. It aims to modernize the registration process for madressahs under the 1860 Societies Registration Act, requiring these institutions to submit annual reports, undergo financial audits, and avoid promoting militancy, sectarianism, or religious intolerance.
Fazl also addressed his party’s resistance to government threats and military pressure, emphasizing that JUI-F would not be intimidated and would act if necessary. He strongly criticized the U.S. and Israel for their actions in Gaza and expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause, highlighting the heavy toll of civilian casualties in Gaza.
Further, Fazl criticized the government’s handling of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, stating that it initially contained 56 clauses, but JUI-F succeeded in reducing them to 34. He also criticized the political climate, accusing the government of undermining the judiciary and pushing through important bills without proper consultation.
Fazl also commented on the possibility of JUI-F joining a “Jail Bharo Tehreek” (fill the jails movement), led by Maulana Asad Mehmood, emphasizing their commitment to protest without retreating, unlike the PTI’s approach during their protests.
