Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is his younger brother, to address Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s concerns regarding the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill—legislation intended to register madressahs.
He said during a meeting between the two in Lahore on Sunday, sources said. They discussed the overall political situation in the country.
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.
Earlier this week, President Asif Ali Zardari returned the bill to the federal government while raising objections.
Sources stated that Nawaz congratulated his younger brother on “improvements” in the country’s economic situation, particularly for setting a new record in the stock exchange. In response, the PM informed Nawaz Sharif about progress in foreign investment in the context of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
They also deliberated on the political and economic landscape, including the events of November 26 and jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s potential call for civil disobedience.
Thousands of PTI supporters marched on November 24 from different cities to Islamabad for Khan’s “final call” to “ensure the release of party members and restoration of democracy.” But the protest was called off on the third day.
They managed to reach the federal capital despite roadblocks and disruptions to the internet and cellular services.
According to the former ruling party, 12 of their followers were killed in firing on the last day of the protest. The government said that at least six people, including three Rangers personnel, were killed in protest. It claimed that the country suffered huge losses due to protests.
Sources added that both leaders agreed to hold accountable those undermining national security and unity, emphasising that no one would be allowed to obstruct the country’s development.
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Moreover, Nawaz directed PM Shehbaz to address Fazl’s concerns regarding the seminary bill. The prime minister assured that the religio-political leader would be taken into confidence regarding the bill.
In a recent meeting, they reached an agreement to consult with their allies on national matters and to keep them informed. The prime minister also briefed Nawaz about the interest shown by Saudi Arabia and other countries in investing in Pakistan.
Both leaders paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies.
