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PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Madrasa Registration Bill
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman discuss the Madrasa Registration Bill, pushing for swift action in line with the law and constitution.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-20
PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Madrasa Registration Bill

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman held a meeting today to discuss the ongoing issue regarding the Madrasa Registration Bill, which has been a source of contention. Maulana Fazlur Rehman confirmed that the Prime Minister invited discussions about the bill passed by both houses of Parliament, which aims to regulate and register religious madrasas across the country.

The discussion comes after tensions surrounding objections raised by President Asif Zardari, which had delayed the final approval of the bill. According to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Prime Minister expressed a commitment to resolving the matter swiftly in accordance with the law and the constitution.

A Positive Response

During the meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rehman informed the media that the Prime Minister was aware of the situation arising from the objections raised by the Ittehad-e-Dini Madrasas. He explained that after consulting with Mufti Taqi Usmani, a prominent religious scholar, he had agreed to support the dialogue on the matter. The meeting included key figures such as Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Information Minister Atta Tarar, among others.

The JUI-F chief emphasized that while the bill had already been passed and was now considered an act, there were procedural delays. He stated that the objections raised by the President were not constitutionally valid, as they had been made after the constitutionally allotted period. He further asserted that the Speaker of the National Assembly would respond to the President’s objections according to the constitution.

Government's Response

The Prime Minister reportedly responded positively to the JUI-F’s position and instructed the Law Ministry to take immediate action in line with the constitution. Fazlur Rehman expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon and that there would be no need for a joint meeting of political parties.

Background of the Madrasa Bill

The Madrasa Registration Bill, passed by Parliament on October 20, 2024, seeks to regulate the registration of religious schools under the ‘Society Registration Amendment Act 2024.’ Key provisions of the bill include mandatory registration for all madrasas, reporting of educational activities, financial audits, and adherence to national curriculum standards, particularly in contemporary subjects. Additionally, it prohibits the teaching of literature promoting sectarianism or militancy.

Despite President Zardari’s objections, the bill is seen by many as an important step toward regulating religious education and ensuring transparency in madrasa operations.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman had previously stated that if the bill was not recognized as a law and its notification delayed further, the JUI-F would take action. However, today’s meeting signals potential progress toward an amicable resolution.

 
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