Islamabad, December 17, 2024: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned the government of nationwide protests if the Seminary Bill issue remains unresolved.
Addressing the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the government for reintroducing the bill without formally accepting it as law, stating that such actions would undermine the Constitution.
“Why is a precedent being set that could jeopardize the entire legislative framework?” he questioned. “If this issue is not resolved in Parliament, the decision will be made on the streets,” he warned.
He also highlighted the President’s constitutional role, emphasizing that if a bill is not signed by the President within ten days, it automatically becomes law. “This has happened in the past, and the same rule applies here,” he added.
The JUI-F chief criticized the government’s approach toward religious seminaries, defending their role in upholding the Constitution and the law. “Why are our madaris constantly being tested despite their proven record?” he asked, noting that students of seminaries excel in both traditional and modern education systems.
He cautioned the authorities against attempts to divide or undermine religious seminaries, warning of serious consequences.
Earlier, speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the Ittehad Tanzimat Madaris Diniyah (ITMD), Maulana Fazlur Rehman clarified that the Seminary Bill was initially introduced by the government and had been accepted by his party in principle.
He explained that during the discussions on the 26th Amendment, the bill was revisited, with the current government introducing any subsequent changes. “There are no controversial clauses left for us in this bill,” he remarked, urging the government to proceed with its implementation without delay.
