Fazlur Rehman threatens street protests over underage marriage legislation

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has strongly condemned the bill banning underage marriages, warning that if the bill is not withdrawn, his party may take to the streets in protest.

While speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that this is a time to promote national unity and solidarity, yet the government is pushing through a controversial bill.

He stated, "A bill has been introduced to ban the marriage of individuals under the age of eighteen. Was this really the right time to bring such a bill? If I oppose it, people will question what Maulana Sahib is doing."

He added that national unity demands that such actions should be avoided.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on the Speaker to issue a ruling against the bill and said, "Don’t force us to take to the streets by passing such legislation."

He further said it would be better to halt the legislation and refer it to the Council of Islamic Ideology. “If they have no objection, then neither will I,” he added.