Tensions surrounding the madressah registration issue have not eased, as supporters of the 2019 agreement have also entered the fray, demanding that the government maintain the existing system.

“While everyone holds power, we do not wish for a confrontation,” Pakistan Ulema Council chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said at the Conference on Madressah Registration and Reforms in Islamabad.

The moot was being held after the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl warned that his party would march to Islamabad if the president did not enact the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill—legislation intended to register madressahs.

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari returned the bill to the federal government while raising objections.

Scholars have insisted on preserving the existing registration system for madressahs, urging the government not to change it “under any pressure.”

According to sources, a conference titled “Positive Effects of Madrasa Registration” was held in Islamabad, attended by Director General of Religious Education Ghulam Qamar, Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain.

Ashrafi presided over the conference, with participation from Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Religious Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain.

Ashrafi stated that approximately “three million students are receiving education in madressahs across Pakistan.” He emphasised that there has long been a demand for the government to officially recognise religious education.

He noted that 10 new boards have been established, which are “functioning robustly.” He pointed out that until 2019, there were only five boards in the country, a number that has increased to 15.

Education Minister Siddiqui stated that the issue of registration was not about controlling such institutions, but rather about benefiting them and enhancing their educational systems.

He stated that the future of 30 million children was at “stake” and asserted that they would not succumb to political pressure.

At the conference, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad stated that the event was focused on the protection of religious madressahs, which he described as “bastions of faith, representing all sects.”

Azad urged everyone to play their roles, stating that madrasas “are the fortresses” of Islam and their protection was a collective responsibility. He noted the presence of scholars from all sects at the gathering, highlighting the unity in safeguarding such educational institutions.

Ashrafi clarifies stance on madressah registration

Ashrafi, the Wafaqul Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan patron, stated that his position regarding the madressah registration “is clear and aligns” with that of Wafaqul Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan and the united organisations.

In his statement, he expressed that the media “misrepresented” his views and claimed that the reports circulating about him were “entirely contrary to the facts and have no basis in reality.”

He added that religious madressahs serve as “protectors of the country’s ideological boundaries, strongholds of Islam and are the best means for safeguarding the faith of the younger generation.”

State-religious scholars collaboration vital for society’s progress: Salik

Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the state and religious scholars to foster societal development.

He underlined the “significant role” of religious scholars and mosques in guiding the public.

“Religious scholars and the state need to work closely together, as they are the primary source of guidance for the people. We must focus on our objectives to understand our goals and those of our opponents,” he said.

Salik stressed the importance of integrating both religious and technical education for madressahs students. “Providing dual education, religious and technical, is the need of the hour. We are committed to introducing measures that ensure a brighter future for seminary students,” he added.

Information Minister Tarar seeks consensus on seminaries registration issue

“Extensive consultations” were being done to find a solution to the seminary registration issue that was acceptable to all stakeholders, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said on Monday.

“The input of Ulema and Mashaikh regarding the registration and madressah reforms is important,” he said at the Conference on Madressah Registration and Reforms in Islamabad.

A few years back, the minister said a system was devised after extensive consultations to bring seminaries into the mainstream. The objective of that legislation was to bring seminaries into the national mainstream, besides eradicating some negative perceptions, he added.

The “most important aspect” of that system was to ensure that the students who graduated from seminaries did not face any discrimination and get equal opportunities, he added.

“Registration of 18,000 Madrasahs is the result of the efforts of the Department of Religious Education,” he said.

About the bill, he said it could not become law due to “some legal complications.” Suggestions given by the scholars had been noted and the final solution would be found after thorough consultations, he added.

The registration of seminaries done by the education ministry had started “bearing fruits,” the minister said and claimed that students who graduated from religious seminaries were making their mark in higher education fields.

“Students of seminaries have been given a chance to advance in life by providing them equal opportunities,” Tarar said.

The minister clarified that the government had no objection over several proposals given by the religious scholars and it was “good” that all schools of thought in Pakistan were represented at the moot.

Also, read this

PML-N head Nawaz directs PM Shehbaz to resolve Fazl’s concerns on seminary bill

Agreement between Ittehad-e-Tanzeemat-Madaris and PTI govt comes to light

Agreement between Ittehad-e-Tanzeemat-Madaris and PTI govt comes to light

About JUI-F Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the minister said he was a “respectable leader” and his suggestions would be given due importance and a solution would eventually be found.

“We also have to play our role in matters related to law and order in the country. Countering terrorism and creating awareness about it is very important,” he added.

He stated that a separate meeting would be held in this regard soon.

Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is legislation stemming from an agreement between the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and the government in support of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. It extends the provisions of the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and introduces regulations for the registration of ‘Deeni Madaris’ through the relevant deputy commissioner’s office.

Under the new bill, seminaries with multiple campuses would require only a single registration. Each institution is mandated to provide an annual report detailing its educational activities to the registrar.

Furthermore, every madrasah is required to have its financial accounts audited and to submit the audit report to the registrar as well. The bill also prohibits seminaries from teaching or disseminating materials that endorse militancy, sectarianism, or religious hatred.