Nawaz directs PM to address Maulana Fazl’s concerns over madrassa bill 

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif has directed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s reservations regarding the Madrassa Registration Bill. 

He issued the directives during a meeting between the two in Lahore, where the Prime Minister Sharif briefed Nawaz Sharif on the overall national situation, including economic improvements and record-breaking performance by the stock exchange.

Nawaz Sharif was also updated on progress in foreign investments under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). 

Sources said that both leaders also discussed the November 26 events stemmed from the PTI protest and the possible civil disobedience call by the opposition party.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of holding accountable those harming national security and unity. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring no obstacles impede the country’s development. 

The prime minister assured the PML-N chief that the JUI-F leader would be taken into confidence regarding the Madrassa Registration Bill. The leaders also agreed on consulting coalition partners to address national issues collectively. 

The prime minister informed Nawaz Sharif about growing foreign interest in investments in Pakistan, including from Saudi Arabia.

Also read: Govt decides to register madrassas

Both leaders also paid tribute to the security forces’ personnel who sacrificed their lives fighting extremists.

Later, the two leaders visited their parents’ graves in Jati Umra and offered prayers. 

Earlier, Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed strong opposition over the delay in implementing the Madrassa Registration Bill, criticizing the government for not honouring previous agreements.

The JUI-F chief said that an earlier understanding allowed seminaries to register with the (federal seminary) board of their choice, but this agreement was not being implemented. 

He also claimed that while all matters had been settled with PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari, objections were now emerging from the Presidential House.

Maulana Fazl dismissed the narrative of “modern and traditional education,” urging authorities to open madrassa bank accounts instead of blocking them. 

The JUI-F chief alleged that bureaucratic and establishment pressures were undermining religious schools.

He accused the government of imposing unwarranted reforms and media narratives on madrassas, stating that such actions would push them toward extremism. 

While reaffirming his commitment to dialogue, Maulana Fazl warned that undue pressure on seminaries could provoke a stronger response.

“If anyone thinks we will tire out, you are mistaken. We are resolute in our struggle,” he said. 

MINISTER CITES LEGAL HURDLES

Earlier on Friday, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that legal complexities were delaying the implementation of the Madrassa Registration Bill, despite longstanding efforts to formalise the process. 

In a statement, Hussain said the government had worked for years to address the registration of religious seminaries, holding consultations with clerics, political leaders, and madrassa administrations. 

“The government, respecting Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s demands, passed the bill through Parliament, fulfilling its commitment. However, due to certain legal issues, it will take more time to fully legalise the Madrassa Registration Bill,” Hussain said. 

He emphasised that the government was not rolling back the registration process, adding that madrassas are recognised as educational institutions under the Ministry of Education’s purview. 

The bill, which has faced criticism from some religious leaders, aims to streamline the regulation of madrassas while addressing concerns about oversight and extremism.