Registration of Madaris and Their Certifications: New Laws, Conditions, and Potential Benefits

After more than a month of controversy surrounding the law on madrasah registration, President Asif Ali Zardari—who had initially withheld his assent—finally signed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act 2024 into law. This was immediately followed by the promulgation of an ordinance amending the act.

On December 27, the National Assembly Secretariat issued a gazette notification, stating that the president had approved the act, which came into force immediately. A notification dated December 28 followed, announcing an amendment to the act. This included the addition of Clause ’21-C,’ allowing madaris to register either with the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE) or the relevant Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

Here are Key Provisions of the Act

Madaris established before the enactment must register within six months.

Newly established madaris must register within a year.

2. Annual Reporting: Madaris must submit an annual report of their educational activities and audited accounts.
3. Prohibition of Extremism: Madaris cannot teach or publish material promoting militancy, sectarianism, or religious hatred.
4. Modern Subjects: Madaris must incorporate basic contemporary subjects into their curriculum according to available resources.

(The ordinance seeks to reconcile differences between traditional madaris boards and new ones established after 2019, granting madaris autonomy while ensuring compliance with the law.)

Registration Requirements Under the Societies Act, 1860

For madaris owners, the following conditions must be met for registration:

1. Online Registration Facility: Charitable organizations can now register online.
2. Minimum Members: A society must consist of at least seven members.
3. CNIC Copies: Valid CNIC copies of all seven members.
4. Office Proof: Proof of the society’s office location.
5. Resolution: A signed resolution by all office bearers for registration.
6. Objectives: The society’s aims must align with Section 20 of the Act.
7. Articles of Association: Signed by at least three office bearers.
8. List of Office Bearers: Including names, addresses, occupations, and designations.
9. Affidavit: An attested affidavit confirming no prior registration of a similar society and no pending judicial/criminal proceedings against any member.
10. Tax Certificates: Copies of National Tax Numbers (NTNs) of all seven members.
11. Detailed Forms: Information as per Supreme Court and Home Department guidelines.
12. Treasury Fee: Payment of Rs. 2500 via treasury challan.
13. Submission of Documents: Online application through http://society-reg.punjab.gov.pk/ and submission of hard copies to the registration office.

With the law in place, how will it benefit madrasah students? Will their certifications gain broader acceptance, especially from the Higher Education Commission (HEC)?

In 2021, when madrasah boards were established, the policy stated:

“The HEC will recognize certifications issued by newly established madrasah boards, provided students enrolled after the board’s official notification by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.” The question now arises: How will certifications from madaris registered under the Societies Act align with HEC’s equivalence policies? Will these certifications carry the same recognition, or will they face additional scrutiny? This remains a crucial point of discussion as the new system unfolds.