Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl group (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Friday issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other top government bodies, stating that any un-Islamic legislation regarding the implementation of interest-free banking will not be tolerated.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the statement came during a high-level meeting held today between a delegation of the Shia Ulema Council (SUC) and Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
The meeting focused on the country’s overall political climate, prospects of reviving the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), and the future of Sharia-compliant banking.
Maulana Fazl emphasised that the government is constitutionally bound to eliminate interest-based financial systems by January 1, 2028, warning that failure to do so would compel his party to take all necessary legal and constitutional measures.
During the meeting, Allama Shabbir Hassan Maisami, who led the Shia delegation, expressed serious doubts over the practical implementation of interest-free banking and presented related documentation to support his concerns.
The meeting was attended by other prominent figures, including Zahid Ali Akhunzada of the Shia Ulema Council and Senator Atta-ur-Rehman of JUI.
According to the sources, both parties agreed on developing a joint strategy to address pressing national challenges, especially the un-Islamic banking.
During the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reflected on his own experience and remarked, “I’ve served four times as a member of the State Bank’s Shariah Board, and still, I’m not convinced that a truly interest-free banking model is being implemented.”
The meeting also featured a discussion on the potential restoration of MMA, with both sides showing willingness to move forward in collaboration on national issues.
Allama Maisami thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his participation in the Milli Yakjehti Council’s (MYC) recent session, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the resolution of religious and socio-political challenges.
Reporter: Usman Khan