The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has issued an ultimatum to the federal government, demanding the passage of the Madrasah Registration Bill by December 8.

The party’s warning follows President Asif Zardari’s rejection of the bill, sending it back to the government with objections. A special session of the National Assembly is expected to be convened next week to address the issue.

JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghouri revealed that the party has been informed of international pressure against the registration of religious seminaries (madrasahs). Further fueling the tension, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed his concerns regarding the President’s veto to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), during a recent meeting.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri issued a strong statement, asserting that the government must pass the bill; otherwise, the party will march on Islamabad. He emphasized their preference for a peaceful resolution but underscored the seriousness of their threat. Haidri also claimed that assurances for the bill’s passage were given by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

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Adding to the escalating pressure, JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah took to X, condemning the President’s rejection of the bill as a “declaration of war” and a “slap in the face of parliament.”

Hamdullah questioned whether the President’s actions were aimed at creating difficulties for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government and held the President, Prime Minister, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari responsible for the bill’s rejection. The situation remains tense, with the December 8th deadline looming large.