Serious allegations have emerged against Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his son, Asad Mahmood, over the alleged illegal occupation of 145 kanals of land belonging to the historic Jamia Qasim-ul-Uloom seminary in Multan, along with financial irregularities.
According to an investigative report by private television channel anchor and analyst Tanzila Mazhar, allegations of financial irregularities and violations of legal and administrative regulations have surfaced within the JUI-F network and the management of religious seminaries.
The dispute over the land of Jamia Qasim-ul-Uloom, an Islamic educational institution established in 1948, has once again come into the spotlight. Sources cited in the report that Fazlur Rehman first assumed control of the institution’s administration and later installed his son, Asad Mahmood, in a position of authority.
Local circles and individuals associated with the seminary have reportedly accused both leaders of undue interference in its administrative affairs and decision-making powers.
History of administrative disputes
According to the report, Mufti Mahmood, Fazlur Rehman’s father, served as the seminary’s head (Mohtamim) from 1974 to 1981. Following his death, Maulana Muhammad Yaseen took over the institution’s administrative responsibilities.
However, serious internal differences emerged in 2006 over the institution’s official registration, the formation of its administrative committee and the final authority of the seminary’s head.
This marked the beginning of a dispute between Fazlur Rehman and Maulana Muhammad Yaseen over control of the institution and its adjoining 145 kanals of land, a matter that has reportedly remained unresolved for decades.
Legal complications and political implications
Administrative and financial disputes involving religious seminaries and trust properties are considered particularly sensitive.
Allegations that land and administrative authority belonging to religious institutions have been used for family or political interests can damage an institution’s reputation and create legal complications for those involved.
If legal irregularities concerning the ownership of the 145-kanal property and the registration dispute dating back to 2006 are established, Fazlur Rehman and his family could face increased legal scrutiny, potentially carrying wider political and religious implications.
