Accord-2019 between govt and Ittehad Tanzeemat-e-Madaris unveiled
Govt, ITM agreed on linking madaris with Education Ministry; Madaris registration made mandatory while govt assures financial support for seminaries under the accord
The agreement between the government and Ittehad Tanzeemat-e-Madaris (ITM) signed in August 2019 has resurfaced, outlining significant reforms for religious seminaries across Pakistan, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Sunday.
Under the Accord-2019, ITM consented to link all religious seminaries with the Ministry of Education. The landmark accord was signed during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government by then-Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood.
Key provisions of the agreement include: 1) Mandatory registration of all seminaries with the Ministry of Education. 2) Authorisation for the Ministry of Education to collect and maintain data from seminaries. 3) Joint decisions to shut down seminaries failing to register and revoke registrations for violations of regulations.
4) Seminaries are required to open bank accounts and are allowed to enrol foreign students. 5) Introduction of a uniform curriculum and specific educational reform goals. 6) Assurance of financial support and resources from the government. 7) The agreement was hailed as a milestone in reforming the country’s religious education system, aiming for transparency and integration into the broader educational framework.