Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Sindh’s Secretary-General, Allama Rashid Mahmood Soomro, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed concern over the growing ideological, familial, and cultural onslaught in the country. He emphasized that global efforts are increasing to challenge the Finality of Prophethood law, Islamic penal laws, the educational curriculum, and the vital role of madrassas. Despite these challenges, Soomro assured that religious seminaries will remain fortresses of faith and knowledge, and no changes will be made to their curriculum.
Addressing a grand condolence seminar in honor of the late Hafiz Habib-ur-Rehman Khatir in Mamoonabad Town, District West, Soomro claimed that the integrity of Islamic identity is threatened by foreign influences. These forces are creating laws and organizations aimed at distorting the family structure and ideologically destabilizing the youth. However, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam remains steadfast in its core principles, just as it was at the time of Pakistan’s inception.
In his address, Soomro highlighted that during the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman had successfully removed 35 clauses, introduced new clauses for an interest-free economy, and advocated for the immediate implementation of the Islamic Ideological Council’s recommendations. This included the registration and constitutional protection of madrassas and mosques. However, despite a year passing, these legislative measures have not been implemented by the provincial assemblies. He cited the swift passage of the 27th Amendment as evidence of the ruling class’s diverted focus from protecting the country’s ideological frontiers.
Soomro insists that real change in the country will only be possible through an Islamic revolution. He declared that no foreign entity can abolish the Finality of Prophethood law, Islamic injunctions, or the solidarity of religious seminaries, and warned that any attempt to weaken the religious foundations would face a historic failure. He condemned actions against mosques and madrassas in Sindh and across the country, describing them as part of a broader global agenda to intimidate religious institutions.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has played a significant role in promoting peace in Sindh, protecting the Indus River, safeguarding provincial resources, addressing the water crisis, and protecting public rights. Soomro emphasized that despite facing persecution and conspiracies, party members remain steadfast in their principles.
During the seminar, other JUI leaders, including Maulana Abdul Karim Abid and Maulana Dr. Naseeruddin Swati, also spoke, paying tribute to Hafiz Habib-ur-Rehman Khatir for his religious and political services. They pledged that members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam will continue to work steadfastly for the protection of madrassas and mosques, the defense of the Finality of Prophethood, and the strengthening of the Islamic constitution.