ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has presented a revised draft of the seminary registration bill to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), according to sources cited. This development followed a consultation between JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza and the government’s legal team aimed at resolving the deadlock over the bill.
Several options, including honoring the 2019 agreement, were proposed to JUI-F during the discussions. The government has expressed its willingness to cooperate if seminaries choose to register under the Ministry of Education, sources reported. Alternatively, registration under the Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices or the Ministry of Interior is also being considered as part of the new legislation.
Senator Kamran Murtaza is expected to brief JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on the new draft. Maulana Fazlur Rehman will then consult with the party’s central council and representatives of the seminaries before issuing a formal response, sources added.
The passage of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a key condition set by JUI-F for supporting the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The bill, which had been passed by Parliament, was sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval. However, the president returned the bill to the National Assembly, citing concerns.
The bill’s statement of objects and reasons highlights the importance of Deeni Madaris (religious seminaries) in providing religious education to Muslims. It acknowledges the necessity of proper registration to ensure appropriate oversight of their activities, noting serious issues in the registration process due to the lack of proper legislation.
AKRAM SHAH
December 9, 2024 at 7:29 pm
You’ve not mentioned the purpose of the legislation[draft]
Politicians have already made a settelment, consideration in return of bargaining. No one has right to have a firm hold on seminaries’ sector.