Anti-Islam elements afraid of growing influence of seminaries, says Siraj

MINGORA: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) former chief Sirajul Haq on Thursday said anti-Islam elements were not afraid of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities but were more threatened by the influence of religious institutions.

Speaking at a ceremony of Dars Bukhari Sharif and Dastar Fazeelat at Jamia Haqqania Sangota in Swat, Sirajul Haq said that conspiracies being hatched against religious schools and scholars

He criticised the government’s reliance on foreign institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “Prime minister’s statement on seeking IMF’s approval to reduce electricity prices is a sign of national subjugation. He urged the people to reject foreign control over their country’s economic decisions.

Highlighting the importance of religious education, he praised parents who equip their children with Islamic teachings. He further emphasized that scholars held the highest status in society and that those who act in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah were the true scholars.

He urged the graduates from religious institutions to actively contribute to society’s moral and social reform.Sirajul Haq also condemned the continued atrocities committed by Israel against innocent Palestinians, pointing out the silence of international human rights organizations on these issues. He stressed the need for unity among Muslims to confront such injustices and warned against Western conspiracies that continue to divide the Ummah.

The JI leader also condemned recent threats from the US president-elect Donald Trump, who reportedly warned Hamas to release imprisoned Jews by January 20 or face severe consequences. “We strongly condemn these threats,” said Sirajul Haq.

The former JI chief said that while Iran had constructed a pipeline to supply natural gas to Pakistan, the country’s rulers were unwilling to pursue this option due to pressure from the United States.

The ceremony witnessed scholars graduating from Jamia Haqqania being honoured with turbans, certificates, and prizes.Sirajul Haq reaffirmed that the solution to Pakistan’s problems lies in the implementation of the Quranic system, for which Jamaat-e-Islami was striving actively.

The event was also attended by prominent figures such as Maulana Dr Attaur Rehman, district head Hameedul Haq, Maulana Syed Mahmood Farooq, and Dr Maulana Fazal Subhan, who all addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of religious education and unity in confronting both internal and external challenges.