Seminary Registration Act
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari officially signed the Seminary Registration Act into law on Sunday, a significant development, citing the National Assembly Secretariat.
This landmark legislation, also known as the Societies Registration Act 2024, marks a key milestone in the government’s efforts to regulate and standardize the registration of entities, including religious seminaries (Madrasahs).
According to a spokesperson for the National Assembly, the bill was successfully converted into law with the President’s signature, and a formal gazette notification is expected to be issued soon.
The act mandates the registration of seminaries under the Societies Registration Act, establishing a streamlined regulatory framework aimed at enhancing oversight and formalizing the operations of these institutions.
The spokesperson emphasized that the matter was resolved through mutual understanding, with broad consensus ensuring smooth implementation of the new legislation.
This achievement follows intensive negotiations with Ittehad Tanzeemat Madaaris Deenia (ITMD), a representative body for religious seminaries, which had raised concerns about certain provisions of the proposed law.
Last week, the federal government agreed to ITMD’s key demands regarding the Seminary Registration Bill. One of the main assurances provided was that seminaries would be registered exclusively under the Societies Act, addressing a significant concern of the organization.
The government also confirmed that no joint session of Parliament would be convened to debate the matter, a step aimed at maintaining harmony and consensus among all stakeholders.
Additionally, the act aligns with amendments proposed under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, further solidifying its legal standing.
A notification is anticipated soon, formalizing the agreement and detailing the procedural steps for implementation.
This new regulatory framework is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and the overall integration of seminaries into the broader educational and administrative system.
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a cohesive approach to managing religious institutions, ensuring their operations align with national standards while respecting their autonomy.
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