Lucknow: Over 100 ulema, intellectuals, and organisational representatives from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and other states took part in a consultative and brainstorming programme to initiate the formation of the All India Pasmanda Ulema Board, in Lucknow on Sunday.Held under the banner of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, the meeting saw discussions focused on the social, economic, and educational challenges faced by Pasmanda ulema, including financial hardship, inadequate honorariums, poor healthcare access, and the declining condition of madrasas and maktabs. Participants also stressed the need for mainstream education, inclusion in govt welfare schemes, and fair representation in Waqf Boards and similar bodies.Addressing the gathering, Parvez Hanif, national president of the Mahaz, said Pasmanda ulema need an empowered and independent platform to raise their concerns effectively. Chief guest Mufti Ubaidullah Qasmi highlighted the importance of blending religious education with modern learning. National working president Shariq Adeeb Ansari urged ulema to assert their constitutional rights and recalled the historical role of Pasmanda Muslims in India’s freedom struggle.The meeting unanimously elected Mufti Ubaidullah Qasmi as national president along with other office-bearers. A concept note outlining the board’s roadmap was also presented.
