Madressah reforms were in the spotlight again as the President of Pakistan assented to the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024. Pakistan has a very chequered history in dealing with these Madrassahs, and debates regarding their regulation and registration have never reached a logical conclusion. A large proportion of madrassahs remain unregistered even after multiple attempts. This article explains the intricacies of madrassah reforms, and the ongoing spat between madressah authorities and the state, considering the amendment to the Societies Registration Act of 1860.

Historical Background:

Religious Seminaries, also known as Madressahs, hold important value in Pakistan’s society. Around 245 Madressahs were present when Pakistan gained independence. The mushrooming growth continued and numbers multiplied throughout the regressive Islamization of Gen. Zia Ul Haq. During the Soviet-Afghan Jihad, the military establishment weaponized this institution and used it for proxy wars under the pretext of strategic purposes. What unfolded was a dramatic radicalization of society, leading to the unraveling of our social fabric. Pakistan’s post-9/11 approach placed this institution under the umbrella of National Security as it was seen as a breeding ground of militancy and extremism. The National Action Plan, formulated in 2014, was another attempt to substantiate this stance that Madrassahs pose a threat to national security and integration.

Currently, there are more than 45000 madressahs across Pakistan, which serve around 2.5 to 3.5 million students. Nearly 75000 teachers are employed in this sector. Their administration is overseen by the five Islamic boards: Tanzeem-ul-Madaris (Barelvi); Wafaq-ul-Madaris al-Arabia (Deobandi); Rabita-ul-Madaris al-Islamia (Jama’at-i-Islami); Wafaq-ul-Madaris al-Salafia (Ahl-e-Hadith); and Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Shia (Shia). A supra-body that oversees their running is Ittehad Tanzeemat Madaris Pakistan (ITMP). Each madressah operates with a remarkable level of independence when it comes to managing its administration and finances. This autonomy allows them to tailor their approaches and make decisions that best suit their unique needs and goals.

Resisting........

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