Top clerics, officials vying for CII top slot

Candidates separately lobbying ahead of Sherani’s retirement on December 16, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Influential religious scholars and government functionaries from across the country are vying for the coveted post of chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) as its incumbent chief Maulana Muhammad Sherani is expected to step down within two months, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Upon completing his second term, Maulana Sherani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) will retire on December 16, 2016. He was appointed as head of the 20-member body in 2010 and first retired in 2013 only to be reappointed for another three years.

Since the post offers a lucrative salary package, perks and protocol, there are many scholars who would like to step into Sherani’s shoes.

The council is a constitutional body, which offers non-binding recommendation to parliament on compatibility of laws with Islamic Sharia. However, the CII top slot has been used to accommodate political appointees.

Sources in the JUI-F told The Express Tribune that this time Sheerani is not in a position to get support of JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman who has always bargained with his allies to get the post, adding that relations between Rehman and Sheerani is not good.



A top official told The Express Tribune that influential candidates lobbying for the position include adviser to PM Barrister Zafarullah Khan, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Tahir Ashrafi, Wifaqul Madaris al Arabi Secretary General Hanif Jalandhri and Dawah Academy former director Professor Sajidur Rehman.

The official said all the influential candidates are separately lobbying.

“Qari Hanif Jalandhri has a good relationship with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Barrister Zafarullah Khan is close to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while Sajidur Rehman is a close relative of Senate Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq,” he said on the condition of anonymity.

The official claimed that Barrister Zafarullah is a favourite for the position as he is close to the premier already as an adviser on human rights, a post equivalent to a minister. The prime minister will give a final nod after law and justice ministry will send a summary of candidates, he added.

When contacted, Zafarullah claimed that he was not interested at all in the post; however, he said he was unaware if his name was considered by the premier. Jalandhri said he would love to land the post if offered. However, he denied lobbying for it.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2016.