Latest news with #Fazl
Express Tribune
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sectarianism stoked to block Islamic rule: Fazl
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has claimed that certain forces stoke the flames of sectarianism to sow discord among religious scholars of different schools of thought whenever calls are made for the imposition of an Islamic system in the country. "There are sectarian organisations in the country, but they fight each other only at the behest of some forces. Sectarianism is fanned whenever people raise their voice for an Islamic system," said Fazl on Saturday while addressing a digital media convention in the country's economic hub. Denouncing the official moon-sighting system, Fazl noted that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has been operating without a legal framework, and attempts to access its founding documents or minutes have led nowhere. He said if there were a proper law in place, it would lead to accountability. "But the lack of legislation allows disputes among scholars over moon sighting to escalate into larger issues," he added. Fazl lamented that no code of conduct had been developed over the past 77 years regarding Muharram processions, calling it a deliberate omission intended to pit religious groups against one another. "At the state level, such measures are taken to keep religious factions in conflict," he said. He also criticised those who advocate a wall of separation between religion and state, arguing that religion is blamed too quickly for disorder. "However, sectarianism alone is not the sole cause of discord in the country. Ethnicity, provincialism, regionalism, and similar factors also contribute to unrest. At times, conflicts between Baloch and Pashtuns, Sindhis and Mohajirs, and other groups have led to disorder," he said. He said there has never been any dispute over the Objectives Resolution, and all schools of thought are united on the Islamic provisions of the Constitution. Fazl said the Constitution clearly states that no law can be made in the country that contradicts with teachings of Islam and its sharia. However, laws, according to him, are being made on the instruction of the International Monetary Fund, the Financial Action Task Force and the United Nations. In this regard, he cited the example of the recent passage of a bill banning marriage under the age of 18 in Islamabad and said the religion does not impose any such restrictions. Fazl said nowadays, highlighting vices is being considered news, especially when it comes to politicians. "One should not go around searching for people's faults and mistakes; this is a grave sin. When a person pursues someone to exploit their weaknesses, it is highly condemnable," he added. According to the JUI-F chief, some institutions running on our tax money sit in their offices and fabricate lies about politicians. He said in the media that the search for news and the effort to find good stories are natural. "However, it is also essential to avoid evil and to distinguish between what is halal and haram."
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Fazlur Rehman's stance on child marriage bill sparks online criticism
Listen to article Maulana Fazlur Rehman's announcement to protest against the child marriage bill has sparked widespread discussion online. President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years. The new legislation criminalises the solemnisation of marriages where either the boy or girl is underage. In response, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday announced a nationwide protest against the government's proposed legislation aimed at restricting child marriages, arguing that the bill contradicts Islamic teachings and threatens Pakistan's religious identity. Many users criticised the move, questioning why such a stance was being taken on an issue concerning child protection. Numerous users criticised religious leaders for opposing a law aimed at protecting minors. One user remarked that these groups have never protested against child abuse but are enraged by the child marriage bill. READ MORE: NA passes bill criminalising child marriage Photo: ScreenGrab Photo: ScreenGrab Others emphasised the importance of confronting religious conservatives who are using religion to justify child marriages, warning that failure to resist would only embolden such views further. Several voices on social media called for organised counter-protests by the rational and progressive segments of society to stand up against the protesters opposing the bill. Photo: ScreenGrab Users argued that defending children's rights should be a non-negotiable priority and expressed strong support for the new law, highlighting that early marriage often leads to severe health, psychological, and social consequences for children, especially girls. READ MORE: Child marriages plague impoverished girls Under the new law that banned the underage marriage of boys and girls alike, violators face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000, while a man over 18 marrying an underage girl may face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years. Courts are also empowered to intervene and protect the identities of those reporting such cases. Despite the bill's clear intent to safeguard children from exploitation, it has faced fierce opposition from religious political parties and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) . The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly criticised the CII for raising objections to the recently passed Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, calling the move a serious attempt to hinder vital child protection legislation. READ MORE: CII takes exception to child marriage bill Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Fazl claimed the proposed law is being influenced by foreign agendas. 'Pakistan's identity is Islam, and that identity is under threat,' he said, warning that the bill undermines the country's core values. Fazl accused the government of drafting the legislation based on demands from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations (UN), rather than adhering to Islamic principles. 'The UN's stance is being used to pass laws against early-age marriages. The President is also refusing to sign the religious seminaries bill,' he added. The JUI-F leader criticised the proposed law as violating the Quran and Sunnah, asserting that such moves weaken democratic processes and inadvertently strengthen extremist narratives. 'Democracy is losing its case, and such actions are empowering the narratives of armed groups,' Fazl warned.
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025: Fazl announces nationwide protest movement
PESHAWAR: JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that parliament cannot make legislation contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, adding that today's difficulties were being created for marriage below the age of 18. Addressing at a press conference here on Sunday, Maulana Fazl said Council of Islamic Ideology has rejected Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025. JUI chief announced a nationwide protest movement against the recently proposed legislation on underage marriage, declaring the bill contrary to Islamic teachings. JUI-F chief said the Islamic identity of the country was being deliberately targeted and eroded. 'We are still passing through an era of subjugation,' he remarked, alleging that legislation was being made in violation of the Quran and Sunnah, which the JUI-F would never accept. He also lauded the restoration of ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan as Afghan Taliban Afghanistan had condemned terror activities carried out in Pakistan. Fazl stated that democracy had failed to protect its own space, and laws were being enacted under the pretext of FATF and IMF pressures. 'Today, the Constitution is being trampled upon in Pakistan, and we reject these government actions. A robust movement will be launched against them,' he said. He criticised the proposed law on underage marriage, stating that it goes against Islamic principles. 'The condition for marriage in Islam is not age, but physical maturity (bulugh). The JUI-F completely rejects this bill,' he said, adding that the Council of Islamic Ideology had also dismissed the bill. 'No legislation contrary to the Quran and Sunnah will be accepted. Our stance is clear and unwavering,' he reiterated. The JUI-F leader announced a large public gathering in Hazara Division on June 29, where the party will unveil its future course of action. He also commented on global affairs, saying a new conflict has emerged post-9/11. 'JUI-F believes the Asian region must come together in unity and strength,' he added. Expressing concern over regional tensions, he said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'recklessness' had heightened the threat of conflict. India's aggression poses a real danger. Pakistan and Afghanistan are indispensable to each other, he said. Fazl also criticised PPP, saying its protests were not against corruption but against the exposure of their own alleged corruption. He said if there's truly been Rs 40 billion in corruption, mere accusations are not enough. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazlur Rehman announces nationwide protests against child marriage bill
Listen to article Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced nationwide protest against proposed legislation restricting underage marriages, calling the bill contrary to Islamic teachings and an attack on Pakistan's religious identity. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday, Fazl claimed the law is being shaped under foreign influence. 'Pakistan's identity is Islam, and that identity is under threat,' he said. He accused the government of drafting legislation based on recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and United Nations resolutions, rather than Islamic principles. 'The UN's stance is being used to pass laws against early-age marriages. The President is also refusing to sign the religious seminaries bill,' he added. Fazl criticised what he described as legislation in violation of the Quran and Sunnah. 'Democracy is losing its case, and such actions are empowering the narratives of armed groups,' he warned. The JUI-F leader alleged that past legal reforms, including those under former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, had targeted religious values. 'The bottom line is that hurdles are being placed in the way of legitimate marriage while ease is being created for fornication,' he said, adding that the Council of Islamic Ideology had already rejected the proposed child marriage law. Also Read: Bilawal-led delegation in US to brief Pakistan's stance on Indian aggression Declaring a nationwide protest against the bill, Fazl said, 'We will present our viewpoint to the world.' Commenting on geopolitical matters, he claimed the world had entered a new Cold War era. 'Asia, under China's leadership, is emerging as a new economic power. After 9/11, we spoke of a global revolution. Now we are in a new phase,' he said. Fazl also took aim at India, stating that 'Modi's foolishness has pushed the region towards war' and that initial hopes for peaceful conflict resolution between Pakistan and India had diminished. In a lighter moment, he took a swipe at the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), saying, 'I'm reminded of a joke—PPP is protesting against PTI because they've broken even the corruption records of the People's Party.' On regional cooperation, he noted the importance of ties with Afghanistan and suggested that extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan and other countries would be a positive development. What is Child Marriage Bill? President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years in the federal capital. The new legislation criminalises the solemnisation of marriages where either the boy or girl is underage. Under the law, no Nikah khuwan (marriage officiant) may conduct a marriage involving minors, with violations punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000. Additionally, a man over 18 who marries an underage girl may face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The bill also empowers courts to intervene if informed of an underage marriage, including protecting the identity of those reporting such cases. The bill was initially introduced in the National Assembly by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui and later presented in the Senate by Senator Sherry Rehman. However, the legislation faced opposition from the CII, which declared the bill contrary to Islamic principles. The CII, in its advisory response, objected to the bill by arguing that Islamic jurisprudence permits the marriage of girls once they attain puberty, regardless of age. The council maintains that setting a fixed minimum age of 18 for marriage contradicts certain religious interpretations and therefore should not be made legally binding.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazl warns of protest over marriage bill
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has strongly condemned the bill banning child marriage and warned of taking to the streets if the bill is not withdrawn. Speaking during the National Assembly session on Monday, Fazl said this is a time to promote national unity and solidarity, yet the government is pushing a controversial bill. "A bill has been introduced to prohibit marriages of individuals under eighteen years of age. Was this the right time to bring such a bill? Now, if I oppose it, people will question my stance. National unity demands such actions should not be taken," he said. The Senate on Monday passed a bill proscribing marriage of childrenpeople less than 18 years of age. Calling on the NA speaker for a ruling against the bill, the JUI-F chief said the government should not force the party to come out on the streets. He suggested that the legislation be halted and sent to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for review, adding, "If they have no objection, I will also not oppose it." Fazl stated that the entire country and parliament are united in the belief that India committed aggression by launching attacks inside Pakistan between May 6 and May 10. Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam incident, he said India, without investigation, blamed Pakistan for the attack in which 26 Indian nationals were killed and shifted the burden of its security failure onto Pakistan. "Our civilian and religious sites were targeted with missiles. Mosques and nearby families were hit under the claim of attacking terrorist hideouts," he said. Fazl said the Pakistani establishment and military have acknowledged that a nation cannot fight a war without public support. "India not only accused us but also initiated the attack, and the way Pakistan's armed forces responded will be remembered in history." The JUI chief saluted the Pakistan Army for their defense efforts, saying that although a ceasefire has been reached, it is crucial to preserve national unity.
