The Pakistani government has presented a revised draft of the seminary registration bill to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) following discussions between JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza and the government’s legal team aimed at resolving the deadlock on the bill.
Several options, including honoring the 2019 agreement, have been suggested to JUI-F. The government has expressed its willingness to cooperate if madrasas choose to register with the Ministry of Education, sources indicated.
Alternatively, the bill allows for registration under district commissioner offices or the Ministry of Interior.
Senator Kamran Murtaza will brief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the draft, after which Maulana Rehman will consult with the party’s central council and madrassa representatives before providing a response, sources added.
It is important to note that the passage of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was a condition set by JUI-F to support the 26th Constitutional Amendment. Although the parliament passed the bill, it was returned by President Asif Ali Zardari to the National Assembly due to concerns.
The bill’s statement outlines that Deeni Madaris (religious seminaries) play a crucial role in providing religious education to Muslims. However, registration under proper legislation is necessary to regulate their activities effectively.
