The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has issued an ultimatum to the federal government, demanding the passage of the Madrasah Registration Bill by December 8. The party’s Secretary-General, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, warned that failure to meet this deadline would compel JUI-F to march on Islamabad, a move that could plunge the nation into further political turmoil.
Haidri minced no words in criticizing the government’s handling of the bill, accusing it of deliberate obstruction. “This delay reeks of malicious intent. Religious forces have been pushed to the edge, and the country cannot afford such instability,” he stated.
The bill, which aims to regulate religious seminaries across Pakistan, has been marred by delays and political wrangling. Earlier, it was reported that President Asif Ali Zardari returned the bill to the Prime Minister’s Office, citing legal ambiguities and jurisdictional concerns. This has led to a standoff between the government and JUI-F, a key ally-turned-critic of the ruling coalition.
Bilawal Bhutto’s Assurances Amid Rising Tensions
In an attempt to placate JUI-F, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari assured Haidri that he would intervene directly with the president to secure the bill’s approval. Despite these assurances, the lack of concrete action has fueled frustration within the JUI-F ranks.
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During recent meetings, Bilawal pledged his support, but Haidri remained skeptical. “The promises have been plenty, but where is the action? The government’s reluctance to pass this bill speaks volumes about its priorities,” he remarked.
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also thrown his weight behind the campaign, warning of a larger anti-government movement if the bill is not passed. Addressing party workers in Lahore, Fazlur Rehman emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the bill, stating, “This is not just about regulation; it is about protecting the rights and integrity of our religious institutions.”
Rejected by the President
The president’s refusal to sign the bill has been perceived by JUI-F leaders as a direct affront to democracy and an act of bad faith. Hafiz Hamdullah, a senior JUI-F leader, labeled the rejection a “declaration of war” and criticized the government for allowing such blatant disregard of parliamentary procedures.
“This delay is nothing short of a red flag waved in the faces of both the Prime Minister and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari,” Hamdullah asserted. He accused the president of deliberately creating hurdles to sabotage the bill, which has already received parliamentary approval.
The Threat of Protest
As the December 8 deadline approaches, JUI-F is preparing to escalate its efforts. The party has hinted at launching a major protest movement, with Fazlur Rehman expected to make a decisive announcement during a rally in Peshawar. The rally, dubbed the “Israel Murdabad” demonstration, is poised to serve as a launching pad for nationwide agitation against the government.
“If the government thinks it can ignore us, it is sorely mistaken,” Haidri warned, adding that the march to Islamabad would be peaceful but resolute.
The Madrasah Registration Bill, backed by religious organizations across the spectrum, has become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to its allies and its ability to navigate Pakistan’s turbulent political waters. With time running out, the standoff between JUI-F and the ruling coalition threatens to unleash another wave of unrest in an already volatile political climate.