Federal government to introduce ‘presidential ordinance’ for madrassah registration

The federal government is set to introduce a presidential ordinance to formalize the registration of madrassahs under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The ordinance, currently being prepared by the Ministry of Law, aims to provide a legal framework for madrassah registration and align these institutions with the Ministry of Education’s existing system.

This development follows a successful agreement between the government and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), paving the way for the President to either issue the ordinance or present a bill in Parliament. The planned ordinance seeks to address the absence of a comprehensive law governing madrassah registration linked to the Ministry of Education. Presently, such registrations are managed through a directorate established by a federal cabinet decision following consultations with religious scholars.

The ordinance will ensure legal protection for madressahs wishing to affiliate with the Ministry of Education and formalize their operations under the Directorate General of Religious Education. It will also incorporate provisions from the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024, which was approved by both the Senate and the National Assembly in October. However, the bill has not yet been signed into law by President Arif Alvi.

Sources indicate that former President Asif Ali Zardari will issue the ordinance, addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders about the madrassah registration bill.

The ordinance is a result of negotiations involving the Prime Minister, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Asif Zardari. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam played a crucial role in ensuring the passage of related legislation. In October, Maulana Fazlur Rehman utilized his party’s voting power to push through amendments to the Societies Registration Act as part of the 26th constitutional amendment.

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