Prime Minister assures PML-N leader that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will be consulted on the controversial madrassa registration bill

In a crucial political meeting on Sunday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resolve the concerns raised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the madrassa registration bill.

The two leaders, who met at their Jati Umrah residence, discussed the latest political developments in the country, including the ongoing debate over the madrassa bill, which has sparked significant controversy. Nawaz Sharif directed Shehbaz to address Fazl’s reservations and ensure the JUI-F leader is fully brought into the loop on the legislation. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Nawaz that Fazl would be consulted and his concerns duly considered.

Apart from the madrassa bill, the brothers also delved into the broader political and economic situation of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed his elder brother on his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting key developments in foreign relations and economic progress. The Prime Minister shared a positive report on the economic improvements, including a record-breaking performance by Pakistan’s stock exchange. Nawaz Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the positive momentum and congratulated Shehbaz on the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy.

Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif informed Nawaz about the growing interest from Saudi Arabia and other countries in investing in Pakistan, particularly through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The conversation also touched upon the political turbulence caused by the events of November 26, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for civil disobedience, and the country’s fragile political climate.

Both leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, acknowledging their ongoing role in securing the nation’s peace and stability.

In a separate meeting later in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with Federal Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, expressing his full support for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament. Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the preparations for the prestigious event, with Shehbaz Sharif praising the PCB’s principled stance on holding the tournament in Pakistan. The Prime Minister emphasised that the honour of Pakistan takes precedence above all else, and expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to host the event successfully.

Naqvi shared his optimism, stating that the PCB is fully prepared to hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and reiterated that the success of both the tournament and the national team is the ultimate goal.

In addition to these discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with members of both the National and Punjab Assemblies, including Mudassar Qayyum Nahra, Azhar Qayyum Nahra, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhinder, Mian Marghoob Ahmed, and Hafiz Mian Muhammad Noman. The meetings centred on constituency issues and the current political situation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also met with Rana Sanaullah Khan, his Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination, who updated him on the overall political landscape. Additionally, the Prime Minister visited MNA Raza Hayat Hiraj to offer his condolences following the death of Hiraj’s father.