ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), on Friday that he would engage all provincial chief ministers (CMs) regarding amendments to the seminary registration process at the provincial level.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman called PM Shehbaz to urge his intervention in amending the seminary registration bill at the provincial level. In response, the Prime Minister assured that he would take the necessary initiative on this matter.

On December 29, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Seminary Registration Act into law, formally enacting the Societies Registration Act 2024. The Act is part of the government’s effort to regulate the registration of various institutions, including religious seminaries (Madrasahs).

As per the new law, religious seminaries must register under the Societies Registration Act. Seminaries that existed before the amendment will be given six months to complete their registration, while newer seminaries will have one year. Those with multiple campuses will only need to register once, covering all campuses.

Additionally, religious seminaries will now be required to submit an annual report detailing their activities, including audited financial records. The bill also prohibits seminaries from publishing or teaching material that encourages extremism or religious hatred.