Ahmed Riaz

The reform of madressahs in Pakistan, a critical issue that has the potential to shape the future of education and social stability, seems to have been sidelined by political wrangling, with the battle over the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024, taking center stage. This bill, which deals with the registration of madressahs (religious schools), has become a point of contention between the ruling coalition and Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F), threatening to derail the essential reform process.

The proposed amendment was passed by parliament but has yet to receive the president’s assent due to what is being described as “technical flaws.” Maulana Fazl has raised concerns over what he sees as deliberate obstructions, accusing the ruling parties, particularly the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), of backtracking on their commitment to passing the law. This, according to him, is in exchange for the JUI-F’s support for the passage of the 26th Amendment, a constitutional reform measure. On the other hand, the government and certain religious scholars argue that the bill contains legal complexities and flaws that need to be addressed before it can be enacted.

While it is undeniable that the proposed bill has legal issues, one cannot help but question how a bill that is legally problematic made its way through parliament in the first place. It seems that the ruling coalition, in an effort to gain JUI-F support for the passage of the 26th Amendment, may have hurriedly passed the bill without considering its potential flaws. Now, facing opposition from clerics and the state, the government appears reluctant to take the necessary steps to make the bill viable. This situation reflects the deeper issue in Pakistan’s political environment, where vital issues such as madressah reform are often sacrificed at the altar of political maneuvering.

The stakes are high. Madressah reform, despite being a sensitive issue, is an essential undertaking. Religious schools in Pakistan have proliferated rapidly, particularly after the Afghan jihad of the 1980s. Today, thousands of madressahs remain unregistered, with concerns about the potential for these institutions to spread extremist or sectarian ideologies among young, impressionable students. While the bill introduced by the JUI-F seeks to hand back oversight of madressahs to deputy commissioners rather than the Directorate General of Religious Education, this is not the right direction. The JUI-F’s stance on protecting madressah autonomy is understandable from their perspective, but it must be balanced with the imperative of state oversight.

Madressah reform cannot be reduced to a political bargaining chip. It requires a consensus among all stakeholders, including the government, religious leaders, and education experts. The current political divide over the bill highlights the absence of such a consensus. The JUI-F’s desire to preserve the autonomy of madressahs, while important in a democratic context, cannot justify the absence of state intervention, especially when it comes to ensuring that these institutions adhere to national educational standards. A system that allows madressahs to operate without registration or oversight is a recipe for unchecked extremism, which ultimately harms both the individuals who attend these institutions and the broader society.

Ideally, all madressahs should be registered with their respective provincial education departments. This would ensure that these institutions comply with the national education curriculum and the principles of the Constitution, including the prohibition of hate speech, sectarianism, and extremism. The reality, however, is that many madressahs are operating without such oversight, and the unchecked growth of these institutions has created a breeding ground for dangerous ideologies. The need for state oversight is further emphasized by the fact that many madressahs receive funding from foreign and domestic sources, making it essential to ensure that these funds are audited for transparency and legality.

Maulana Fazl’s insistence on madressah autonomy is based on a belief that the state should not interfere in religious matters. However, it is crucial to recognize that autonomy should not be equated with exemption from state oversight. Autonomy in this context means the freedom to teach religious subjects without interference, but it should not extend to operating without proper registration or accountability. If madressahs are to continue to play a significant role in Pakistan’s educational system, they must operate under a framework that ensures they contribute positively to the development of the country. This includes not only maintaining religious autonomy but also adhering to basic educational standards and societal values.

Furthermore, madressah students, who represent a large portion of Pakistan’s youth, must be provided with more than just religious education. The current curriculum in many madressahs focuses primarily on religious instruction, often at the expense of practical skills that are crucial for economic participation. Madressah students must be equipped with the tools to thrive in the modern world, which means incorporating life skills, vocational training, and basic education in subjects such as science, mathematics, and social studies. This would not only help these students lead more productive lives but also contribute to the country’s economy.

The reluctance to implement meaningful reform in the madressah sector is a missed opportunity for Pakistan. While some clerics resist state oversight, they must recognize that the world has changed since the days of the Afghan jihad, and the growth of religious schools must be accompanied by a commitment to national values, social integration, and educational progress. It is also essential to understand that reforming madressahs does not mean attacking religious freedom but rather ensuring that all religious institutions are subject to common standards that benefit society as a whole.

Both the government and the JUI-F must move beyond political games and work towards a solution that prioritizes the needs of the country’s youth and the future of Pakistan. The bill that was passed in parliament may have flaws, but these can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation. Rather than clinging to partisan interests, the ruling parties and the JUI-F must come together and focus on the larger goal of reforming the madressah sector to ensure that it aligns with modern educational standards, promotes social harmony, and contributes to the development of the country.

The lack of consensus on madressah reform is not just a political issue; it is a national concern. The future of millions of young Pakistanis depends on how the country addresses this critical issue. A failure to reform madressahs and provide oversight may not only hinder the progress of the nation’s educational system but also exacerbate the social and political challenges facing Pakistan. It is time for all parties involved to recognize the importance of this issue and work together to create a solution that benefits the country as a whole.