ISLAMABAD:
Progress appears to be on the horizon in resolving the long-standing deadlock over the madrassa bill. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has been at the forefront of opposing the legislation, expressed cautious optimism on Friday. He revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the law ministry to take swift and lawful measures to address the issue.
This development rekindles hopes of ending the prolonged impasse between the government and JUI-F concerning the regulation of madrassas. While the bill has already been passed by parliament, it remains stalled as it awaits the president’s signature. JUI-F has accused its coalition partners of intentionally delaying the process.
The announcement came after a meeting in Islamabad between Fazlur Rehman and the prime minister, attended by senior leaders of the PML-N and PPP. Both parties indicated a willingness to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Fazlur Rehman shared that the prime minister had shown a positive attitude toward his party’s concerns. He said, “The prime minister has ordered the law ministry to act promptly, ensuring all steps align with the law and Constitution.”
He added that practical measures would soon be implemented, expressing hope that they would meet his party’s expectations. Fazlur Rehman also noted his intention to brief the Ittehad Tanzeemat-e-Madaris Pakistan—a federation representing madrassas—about the progress.
“We anticipate good news within the next couple of days,” he remarked, lauding PM Shehbaz Sharif for fostering trust through his cooperative approach.
In a statement, state broadcaster PTV reported “positive progress” on the proposals, quoting the prime minister’s directive for the law ministry to proceed in accordance with the Constitution and legal framework.
Meanwhile, Maulana Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, voiced support for madrassa registration but cautioned against using the institutions and their students for political gains.
In a video message, Ashrafi highlighted that out of 15 madrassa boards registered with the government, five seek registration under the Ministry of Industries, while the remaining ten prefer the Ministry of Education’s department for religious education.
Ashrafi emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of the 2.3 million students enrolled in 18,600 registered madrassas. He proposed that the madrassas should have the freedom to choose their registering authority while maintaining the current system’s continuity.
“The madrassas should not become pawns in political disputes,” he warned, urging the government to carefully consider the implications of the legislation.
The madrassa bill has faced hurdles since its return to the National Assembly by President Zardari on October 29 with objections. Despite being approved by the Senate and tied to the 26th Amendment, the bill’s progress has stalled.
Key features of the bill include mandatory registration for multi-campus madrassas, annual reporting of educational activities, financial audits, and a ban on material promoting extremism or hatred.
The issue of madrassa oversight dates back to 2019 when the PTI-led government shifted their registration responsibility to education departments, following years of consultations involving federal and provincial governments, security agencies, and NGOs.
While religious groups largely supported the move to frame madrassas as educational institutions under education departments, JUI-F opposed it, citing political disagreements with the PTI government and rejecting efforts to integrate conventional education into their curricula.
Traditionally, madrassas were registered under the Societies Act of 1860 by local authorities. Five boards representing various Islamic sects managed these institutions, with the PTI government later introducing additional boards to decentralize their oversight.
As the debate continues, the latest developments signal a potential resolution, with all parties urging that students’ education and welfare remain the priority.
