The Pakistani government is facing a new challenge as Fazal-ur-Rehman of the religious Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) party leads a potential agitation over a bill that aims to amend the registration process for religious seminaries. The bill was introduced in October but faced objections from President Asif Ali Zardari and concerns from the government, sparking a standoff.
Historically, seminaries in Pakistan were governed under the outdated Societies Registration Act of 1860, leading to concerns about the lack of oversight in curricula, finances, and activities. More stringent regulation began after the 9/11 attacks, and the Financial Action Task Force urged Pakistan to bring seminaries under control for transparency in financial operations.
Under the PTI government, seminaries were reclassified as educational institutions and placed under the Ministry of Education, leading to the registration of 18,000 seminaries and two million students. However, some seminaries, including those associated with JUIF, refused to join the system.
The JUIF’s proposed legislation shifts registration responsibilities back to district deputy commissioners and allows seminaries with multiple campuses to register as a single entity to reduce government interference and protect autonomy. The government objects to this, citing legal complications and the need for education-related issues to remain under the Education Ministry.
The controversy raises questions about the government’s credibility and could impact Pakistan’s politics. Analysts suggest that the military establishment may ultimately have a say in the debate about seminaries and their control. Resolving the issue without further unrest will be crucial for the stability of Pakistan’s already volatile political landscape.
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