The Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024, commonly known as the Madrassa Registration Bill, officially became law with the signature of President Asif Ali Zardari, as the new legislation will require all madrassas comply with government regulations.
According to Express News, the federal government has accepted the demands of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to regulate the registration of madrassas, bringing them under the aegis of the companies law. 2024.
The move resolved the long-standing dispute between the ruling PML-N government and the opposition JUI-F party, over the bill, which had been passed by Parliament but returned by President Zardari.
Key provisions of the new legislation
As per the new law, all madrassas that were operating before its promulgation must complete their registration within six months. On the other hand, newly created madrassas will have one year to register.
The law requires madrassas to submit annual audit reports on their educational and financial activities to the relevant registrar.
One of the notable features of the law is that if a central madrassa is registered under a particular name, its branches will not require separate registration.
Additionally, madrassas registered under the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2024 will not be required to register under any other law, thereby ensuring a streamlined process for such institutions.
The law also prohibits madrassas from teaching or publishing any material that incites activism, sectarianism, or religious hatred. However, it allows the study of comparative religions and requires madrassas to gradually introduce modern subjects according to their available resources.
The federal cabinet on Friday approved amendments to the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Initially passed as is, the President issued an order to amend the law, allowing madrassas to register either with the Registrar of Societies companies, or with the Ministry of Education.