Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed optimism about the swift approval of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024, which pertains to madrassa registration. His remarks followed a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where the premier directed authorities to address the matter promptly.
“We hope practical steps aligned with the Constitution will be taken as per our demands,” Fazl stated, addressing journalists after the meeting. The session included National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and other government officials, along with JUI-F representatives.
The madrassa bill, already approved by both houses of parliament, has faced hurdles due to objections raised by President Asif Ali Zardari. The bill aims to shift madrassa registration from the education ministry to the industries ministry. Despite constitutional provisions allowing the parliament to override presidential objections, Fazl claimed the second objection was invalid, as it was submitted after the constitutional deadline.
Article 75 (2) of Pakistan’s Constitution mandates that a bill returned by the president must be reconsidered by parliament in a joint session. If passed again, it automatically becomes law. Fazl suggested that the issue might not require a joint session, given the positive response from the prime minister.
The president had raised concerns about the bill’s potential implications, including international sanctions related to FATF and GSP+ compliance, increased sectarianism, and conflicts of interest. He argued that madrassas registered under the Societies Act could deviate from their educational purposes, impacting Pakistan’s global standing and internal stability.
The prime minister instructed the Ministry of Law to resolve the matter within constitutional parameters. Fazl remained hopeful that the government would address his party’s concerns effectively.
