ISLAMABAD: Emir Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Maulana Fazlur Rehman has categorically refused to compromise on the protection of religious madrasas and mosques, warning that any measures taken against them under an alleged external agenda would be strongly and vigorously opposed.
According to a statement, a delegation of prominent religious scholars from Rawalpindi and Islamabad met Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad, where key issues, including the protection of madrasas and mosques, recent government actions, delays in madrasa registration, and the demolition of mosques, were discussed in detail.
Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Fazlur Rehman assured the delegation of his party’s full support for safeguarding religious institutions. He said there would be no compromise on the protection of mosques and madrasas, adding that any conspiracy against them under foreign pressure would be resisted at all levels.
He claimed that the prevailing attitude towards religious madrasas was not the government’s own policy but part of an external agenda aimed at provoking religious youth and pushing them towards confrontation with the state. He further alleged that efforts to curtail the role of madrasas reflected the desire of certain forces to prevent the presence of Sharia experts who could contribute to legislation in line with Islamic principles.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticised what he described as the establishment’s and bureaucracy’s approach towards madrasas, terming it part of the same external agenda designed to create unrest among the youth.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for JUI-Islamabad expressed serious concern over the demolition of mosques and madrasas in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as well as delays in the registration process of religious seminaries. He said the party was considering holding a major protest demonstration in Islamabad against what he termed government malice and discriminatory actions.
The meeting also reviewed the situation following the reconstruction of the Madani Mosque.
The delegation was led by Ameer JUI-Islamabad Mufti Owais Aziz, while JUI-Punjab leaders including Maulana Saeed-ur-Rehman Sarwar, Mufti Abdul Rehman, Dr Atiq-ur-Rehman, Dr Zia-ur-Rehman, Maulana Nazir Ahmed Farooqi, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar, Mufti Abdul Salam, Mufti Amir Zeb, Arshad Abbasi, Mufti Abdullah, Mufti Masrat Iqbal, Qari Israrullah, Maulana Abdul Karim, Maulana Abdul Quddus Muhammadi and Maulana Ahmed Rehman were also present.
The JUI leadership reiterated its demand for immediate madrasa registration and an end to actions against religious institutions, warning that continued delays could lead to widespread protests.
