President Zardari Signs Controversial Madrassa Registration Bill into Law
The bill aims to streamline the registration process for madrassas, shifting oversight from the education ministry to local authorities.
President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday officially signed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024, which includes provisions for the registration of madrassas (religious seminaries) in Pakistan.
This legislation has been a subject of significant debate and controversy, particularly regarding its implications for educational institutions and potential international repercussions.
A gazette notification has been issued following Zardari’s signature, formalizing the changes brought about by this legislation.
A gazette issued by National Assembly Secretariat Tahir Hussain stated that madrassahs established before the enactment of the law must register within six months of its commencement.
Madressahs founded after the law came into effect are required to complete their registration within one year.
The gazette also mandates that madrassahs submit an annual report of their educational activities to the Registrar and provide an audited report of their accounts conducted by an auditor.
It further specifies, “No madrassah shall teach or publish any material that promotes militancy, sectarianism, or religious hatred.”
Additionally, every madrassah, within its resources, must incorporate basic contemporary subjects into its curriculum through a phased program.
The gazette clarified, “No madrassah shall be required to register under any other existing law.”
The madrassa registration bill faced criticism and legal objections from President Zardari prior to his assent. He had previously returned the bill due to concerns about its legal validity and potential conflicts with existing laws governing madrassas. His objections included fears that the new law could lead to the misuse of madrassas for purposes beyond education and might attract sanctions from international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The enactment of this bill was part of a political compromise between the government and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), a key religious political party. Following negotiations, the government agreed to register madrassas under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860, which was seen as a significant concession to religious groups.
