Govt proposes presidential ordinance for madrassa registration

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has proposed the introduction of a presidential ordinance to regulate the registration of madrassas across the country.

Sources confirm that the ordinance will be issued by the president on a consensus basis, following consultations with key stakeholders.

According to insiders, the idea for the ordinance emerged during meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and other stakeholders have expressed their support for the ordinance related to the registration of madrassas.

The proposed ordinance aims to provide legal protection to madrassas under the Directorate General of Religious Education and Societies Registration Amendment Act. This framework is expected to enhance the regulation of madrasas and ensure their compliance with national educational standards.

Government sources emphasized that the ordinance is designed to foster consensus among all parties. They also affirmed that individuals or organizations opposing the initiative are free to seek redress through appropriate forums.

Last week, the Supreme Council of the Ittehad-e-Tanazeem Madaris Diniya met in Islamabad to discuss critical issues surrounding the legislation for the madrassa registration and their implications for seminaries in Pakistan. The council, comprising prominent religious scholars and leaders, unanimously passed a resolution demanding the immediate issuance of a gazette notification for the amended Societies Registration Act.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Mufti Muneebur Rehman, Mufti Taqi Usmani, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized the importance of resolving the matter in a constitutional and peaceful manner.

Mufti Muneeb highlighted that the amendment bill had been passed by parliament on October 21 and sent to the Presidency for final approval. Although an error in the bill was initially pointed out by the president on Oct 28 and later corrected by the National Assembly speaker, no objections were raised by the president during the 10-day review period, making the bill a law.

He maintained that the president pointed out new errors after the review term expired, adding that the bill had now become a law.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman clarified that their demand for the gazette notification was based on legal and constitutional grounds, emphasizing that worsening the situation would not benefit anyone. “We are committed to resolving this issue peacefully through dialogue in a legal and constitutional way,” he added.

The meeting also addressed broader concerns, including the Madrassa Act and its impact on religious seminaries. Maulana Aslam Ghauri, speaking on behalf of the council, mentioned that further actions would be decided based on the government’s response to their demands.