Muhammad Rizwan
The Madrassah Registration Bill has quickly become a flashpoint of controversy in Pakistan, with political and religious tensions intensifying around the issue. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), has characterized the debate over the bill as part of a larger “conspiracy” aimed at dividing Pakistan’s ulema (religious scholars). In a move that has raised the stakes, Maulana Fazl issued a one-day ultimatum to the government over the passage of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024, demanding immediate action. Though he postponed his call for protests after receiving assurances that the matter would be addressed, the outcome remains uncertain and the issue unresolved.
At the heart of this controversy is the demand for President Asif Ali Zardari to sign a bill that was passed by both the National Assembly and Senate in October 2024. However, the President has sent the bill back to the federal government, raising objections—chiefly concerning the jurisdiction of madrassah registration. The bill seeks to bring madrassahs, or religious seminaries, under more centralized regulation, which has raised significant opposition from various factions within the religious community.
This controversy is far from just a bureaucratic issue. It exposes much deeper and long-standing problems in the way Pakistan’s religious politics and the relationship between the state and religious institutions have evolved. Over the decades, successive Pakistani governments have alternated between appeasing and exploiting the religious right, thus creating a sense of entitlement among religious political groups. These groups, often the beneficiaries of state patronage, have come to expect special treatment and influence over political decisions, including matters such as the registration of madrassahs.
This sense of exceptionalism has proven difficult to dismantle, especially when the state continuously cedes ground in the face of political pressure. The madrassah registration issue itself is a clear example of this dynamic. On the surface, the proposal to register madrassahs under the Ministry of Education seems logical, aligning with the broader framework of Pakistan’s national education policy. But, as with many issues in Pakistan, this proposal has sparked heated debate among the religious establishment. One faction of the ulema, in line with an agreement made with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in 2019, supports registering madrassahs under the Ministry of Education. However, another faction insists on alternative registration authorities, citing concerns over government control and interference in religious education.
Currently, over 18,000 madrassahs are registered with the Ministry of Education, but this is only part of the picture. The discord over the proper registration process undermines efforts to standardize and regulate madrassah education. This lack of standardization is a serious concern, particularly in a country that faces significant international pressure to ensure that its educational institutions meet certain standards. Proper registration of madrassahs is not only essential for maintaining the integrity of the education system but is also a crucial step for meeting Pakistan’s international obligations, especially in light of security concerns and financial scrutiny.
The government’s mishandling of the madrassah registration issue has only intensified these tensions. In an attempt to placate JUI-F and other religious groups, the government has made promises of concessions, but without fully considering the provincial jurisdiction over education. This has created unnecessary complications, as the issue touches on both federal and provincial powers. The lack of clarity on which authority should oversee madrassah registration further complicates the matter and has fueled mistrust between religious groups and the state. By deferring decisions and seeking compromises without addressing the root issues, the government risks exacerbating the crisis.
What is clear is that Pakistan can no longer afford to politicize the madrassah registration issue. The state must prioritize the rule of law and ensure that all educational institutions, including madrassahs, operate under a regulatory framework that promotes accountability, transparency, and compliance with national and international standards. Allowing madrassahs to continue operating without proper registration or oversight presents significant risks. For one, it exposes Pakistan to greater vulnerabilities in the international arena, especially with the global focus on counterterrorism efforts and financial transparency.
Furthermore, this issue is not just about administrative alignment—it is about whether the state can overcome political expediency and deliver on long-standing promises to reform the education system. The madrassah registration bill represents a litmus test for the government’s ability to prioritize the national interest over political convenience. The delay in resolving this matter has only served to increase political demands from religious groups, and the longer the government waits, the more difficult it will become to find a middle ground.
The government needs to take decisive action and resolve the madrassah registration issue without further delay. The bill must be signed into law, and the registration process must be carried out in a way that ensures proper oversight while respecting the autonomy of religious institutions. If left unresolved, the situation could lead to further divisions within Pakistan’s religious and political spheres, ultimately undermining efforts to modernize the country’s education system.
In conclusion, the madrassah registration bill is far more than just a technical matter of bureaucracy. It is a critical issue that touches on Pakistan’s governance, security, and international standing. The government must act with resolve and clarity to ensure that religious seminaries are brought into a regulatory framework that aligns with the country’s broader educational and security goals. Failure to do so will only perpetuate the status quo and further delay much-needed reforms in the education sector. The time for delay is over, and the need for a firm, principle-based approach is now.
