The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has raised objections to the Madaris Registration Bill, highlighting various concerns regarding its provisions. Zardari has specifically referred to existing laws governing the registration of religious institutions, emphasizing that the new legislation may overlap with or contradict these regulations.
In his objections, Zardari pointed out contradictions in the definition of a madrassa within the bill and raised concerns over the feasibility of new legislation, given the existence of the Madrassa Education Board Ordinance of 2001 and the Islamabad Capital Territory Trust Act of 2020. He argued that requiring religious schools to register under the Society Registration Act could lead to misuse, as it could facilitate the use of these institutions for purposes beyond education.
The President further expressed concerns that the registration of madrasas under this act could lead to sectarian tensions, as the large number of madrasas operating under a single society might destabilize peace in the region. Additionally, he warned that such measures could create conflicts of interest, particularly with international institutions like FATF, which might alter their ratings in response to the bill.
Zardari also noted that the Society Registration Act of 1860 does not include religious education, and the inclusion of religious schools in the same framework as fine arts institutions could lead to significant legal conflicts. He stressed that this legislation might result in a weaker legal framework for madrassa oversight, potentially leading to greater abuse of power and less regulation.
The President’s objections have prompted the government to reconsider the bill, with efforts underway to find a middle ground in consultations with various stakeholders.
