Islamabad, December 29, 2024 — President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act 2024, commonly referred to as the Madrassa Registration Bill, into law. The new legislation mandates all madrassas in Pakistan to comply with government regulations, aiming to standardize and oversee religious seminaries across the country.
The federal government reached an agreement with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing his concerns about regulating madrassas under the Societies Act 2024. This agreement resolved a longstanding dispute between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the opposition JUI-F. The bill, previously passed by Parliament and returned by President Zardari for further consideration, has now been enacted, marking a significant step forward.
Under the new law, madrassas that were operational before its enactment are required to complete their registration within six months, while newly established seminaries have up to a year to comply. Registered madrassas must also submit annual audit reports detailing their educational and financial activities to the relevant registrar. To simplify the process, if a central madrassa is registered under a specific name, all its branches are automatically covered, eliminating the need for separate registrations. Additionally, madrassas registered under this act are exempt from registering under any other law.
One of the key features of the legislation is its focus on curriculum and content regulation. The law bans madrassas from teaching or publishing material that promotes militancy, sectarianism, or religious hatred. However, it permits the study of comparative religion and encourages the gradual inclusion of modern subjects, depending on the resources available to each institution.
The federal cabinet had earlier approved amendments to the Societies Registration Act of 1860, enabling madrassas to register either under the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Industries. This flexibility, introduced through an ordinance issued by President Zardari, provides additional options for compliance.
This landmark legislation reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that madrassas operate within a standardized legal framework. It addresses concerns regarding extremist ideologies while promoting inclusivity and modernization in education. The bill seeks to harmonize religious education with national development goals, fostering societal cohesion and progress.
By enacting this law, President Zardari has taken a significant step toward regulating religious seminaries and creating a more cohesive education system in Pakistan. The move is expected to enhance oversight and accountability while addressing critical concerns of sectarianism and extremism.
