JUI-F warns Balochistan government over seminary bill

QUETTA: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Balochistan chief Senator Maulana Abdul Wasay has warned the provincial government against what he described as interference in religious seminaries, saying the party will not accept such steps.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Abdul Wasay said an ultimatum earlier given to the government had expired. He said JUI-F would stage protests across Balochistan on May 6 if the Madaris Bill is not passed during the Balochistan Assembly session scheduled for May 5.

"The matter of seminaries is a red line for us. We cannot allow anyone to lay hands on madaris under any circumstances. The Balochistan government must immediately withdraw the current notification regarding seminaries," he added.

He said the government had been given time until May 2 but did not act on the demand. Abdul Wasay also accused the Balochistan chief minister of acting in violation of the Constitution and called for accountability. "The Chief Minister must come to his senses. He has violated the Constitution. A mere apology will not suffice," he further said.

The JUI-F leader said the National Assembly had already approved the Madaris Act under the 26th Constitutional Amendment and added that implementation now rested with the provinces. He alleged that action had been initiated against seminaries in Balochistan and said this amounted to a constitutional breach.

Abdul Wasay further alleged that land allotments were continuing under the Mines and Minerals Act despite its withdrawal, describing the process as a daylight robbery of public rights.

Talks with government delegation

He said talks had taken place with a three-member government delegation made up of ministers. According to Abdul Wasay, the delegation asked JUI-F to defer its protest until the chief minister returned, but the party’s central advisory council rejected the proposals put forward by the government side. "We have made it clear that the Madaris Bill must be included on the agenda of the May 5 Balochistan Assembly session. If the bill is passed, we will transform our protest into a day of gratitude. Otherwise, on May 6, there will be protest across the province," he said.

He also announced a wider protest schedule. Abdul Wasay said JUI-F caravans from different parts of the province would head towards Quetta on May 10. He added that a major public gathering would be held in Pishin on June 4.

The senator said the party’s movement would remain peaceful and would not involve damage to property, while urging the government to take what he called immediate positive action on the seminary issue. "We will not damage any property. However, the government must respect public sentiments and take immediate positive action on the seminary issue," he said.

The warning comes as JUI-F presses the provincial government to place the Madaris Bill before the assembly and withdraw the existing notification concerning seminaries.