JUI-F Chief Confident of Madrassa Bill Resolution After Talks with PM

JUI-F Chief Confident of Madrassa Bill Resolution After Talks with PM

Islamabad: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has expressed optimism about resolving the concerns surrounding the controversial Madrassa Regulation Bill after holding detailed discussions with Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, focused on addressing the reservations of religious seminaries and ensuring a collaborative approach toward the bill’s implementation.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed the contentious clauses of the proposed legislation. Maulana Fazlur Rehman conveyed the concerns of religious institutions, emphasizing the need to safeguard their independence and traditional role in society. The Prime Minister assured the JUI-F chief that all stakeholders, including religious seminaries, would be taken on board before any further steps are taken regarding the bill.

In a statement to the media after the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, “The Prime Minister has assured us that the government will review the Madrassa Bill thoroughly and address the concerns raised by religious institutions. We believe this assurance marks a positive step toward protecting the rights of madrassas.”

The Madrassa Regulation Bill has sparked significant debate in recent months, with religious groups voicing apprehensions about potential government overreach. Critics of the bill argue that certain provisions could undermine the autonomy of madrassas, while the government maintains that the legislation aims to modernize the madrassa education system and align it with national standards.

Key Points Discussed

Sources close to the meeting revealed that several key points were discussed, including:

1. Registration and Oversight: The bill mandates the registration of all madrassas under a central regulatory authority. Religious leaders argue that this could lead to unnecessary interference in their operations.

2. Curriculum Modernization: The inclusion of modern subjects alongside traditional religious education has been a point of contention, with madrassas expressing concerns about losing their focus on Islamic teachings.

3. Financial Transparency: The government’s proposal to monitor madrassa funding has raised eyebrows, with seminaries worried about being subjected to excessive scrutiny.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that while modernization is important, it should not come at the cost of compromising the core values and autonomy of madrassas. “We are not against reforms, but they should be introduced through consensus and in a manner that respects our religious traditions,” he stated.

Government’s Perspective

On the other hand, the government has reiterated that the proposed bill is not aimed at targeting madrassas but at ensuring transparency and quality in their operations. A senior government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “The Madrassa Regulation Bill is meant to integrate religious education into the mainstream educational framework. It’s about enhancing the standard of education while addressing any potential misuse of madrassa platforms.”

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, during the meeting, reportedly stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation. He assured the JUI-F leader that the government respects the role of madrassas in society and will work closely with their representatives to finalize a mutually acceptable version of the bill.

JUI-F’s Next Steps

Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced plans to consult other religious and political parties to build a unified stance on the issue. The JUI-F chief also hinted at the possibility of organizing a national conference involving all stakeholders to address the matter comprehensively.

“We will not allow any legislation to undermine the sanctity of madrassas. Our struggle is for their protection and for the preservation of Islamic education in Pakistan,” said Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Reaction from Religious Circles

The madrassa community has cautiously welcomed the JUI-F chief’s efforts. However, some clerics have expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions. “We need concrete action, not just assurances,” said a prominent cleric from Karachi. “The government must prove its sincerity by making tangible changes to the bill.”

Conclusion

The meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Prime Minister marks a significant step toward resolving the deadlock over the Madrassa Regulation Bill. While the assurances from the government have provided a glimmer of hope, much will depend on how the dialogue progresses in the coming weeks.

With the JUI-F now taking the lead in uniting religious factions, the next steps will be crucial in determining whether a consensus can be reached on this sensitive issue.