“The Biggest Obstacle to Madrasah Registration is the Government Itself, Says Fazlur Rehman”

Islamabad: The head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has stated that the biggest hurdle in the registration of madrasahs (religious schools) is the government itself. Speaking in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman acknowledged the assembly’s responsibility in representing the public but emphasized that the parliament was also performing its parliamentary duties.
He mentioned that both houses of parliament had passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment with consensus, noting that all political parties, both in the government and opposition, were on board. Despite some opposition parties distancing themselves from the amendment, a lengthy negotiation process had preceded it, he explained.
Rehman highlighted that discussions regarding madrasah reforms had been ongoing since 2004. Following concerns raised about the content being taught in madrasahs, talks had led to legal measures aimed at ensuring religious schools refrained from teaching extremist material. He added that intelligence agencies had direct access to madrasahs during that time.
Referring to a 2010 agreement, he pointed out that while the issues related to madrasah registration were supposed to have been resolved, the 18th Amendment later complicated matters. The government introduced the idea that madrasahs would be registered under the Societies Act, and discussions continued with the Ministry of Education. However, the required legislation was never passed, leaving the matter unresolved.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman further stated that the initial plan was for the government to assist in the registration of new madrasahs and to open bank accounts for religious institutions. Proposals were also made for granting foreign students a 9-year visa to study in madrasahs. However, the lack of concrete action by the government remains a major barrier to the registration and proper regulation of these religious institutions.