PM Shehbaz seeks joint session of parliament to debate ‘Madrassah Registration Bill’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally requested President Asif Ali Zardari to convene a joint session of Parliament on December 17, aiming to deliberate and approve eight pending bills, including a contentious proposal on madrassah registration.
The madrassah registration bill has sparked intense debate among political and religious stakeholders. Sources indicate that ongoing consultations between the government and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) aim to address concerns surrounding the legislation. The bill, which was previously returned by President Zardari for reconsideration, seeks to regulate religious seminaries under the Ministry of Education.
Also Read:
Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has voiced strong concerns regarding the proposed legislation. In a statement, Ashrafi emphasized that seminaries affiliated with the Ministry of Education already maintain transparent financial audits and should not be subjected to legislation that may hinder their operations.
“If anyone wishes to examine the accounts of madrassahs, why would they object?” Ashrafi asked, underscoring that seminaries have faced no issues related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and continue to operate transparently. He further criticized the use of blame games and abusive rhetoric, asserting that such actions fail to resolve the challenges faced by religious institutions.
Ashrafi strongly opposed any external interference in Pakistan’s madrassah system, stressing that no international power has the right to dictate terms on this matter. He reiterated that seminaries are vital educational institutions, and their independence must be preserved.
The proposed session on December 17 is expected to focus on approving critical legislation, with the madrassah bill at the forefront of discussions. The Prime Minister’s initiative reflects the government’s intent to streamline the regulatory framework for religious seminaries while addressing concerns from key stakeholders.
Read all the Breaking News Live on pakistantimes.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Pakistan Times. Follow us on Whatsapp channel for more.
