ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
On Friday, the Federal Cabinet approved two presidential ordinances. One of the ordinances was related to the registration of madrasahs, which was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The cabinet approved the issuance of the ordinance following the demands of Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding madrasah registration. On the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the cabinet also approved amendments to the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The second ordinance approved was related to income tax. The Federal Cabinet also approved amendments to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2024, regarding banking companies, on the recommendation of the Revenue Division. Through this ordinance, tax collection is expected on additional profits of 70 billion rupees from banks. The implementation of this amended income tax ordinance will impose a heavy tax on the profits of banks.
On October 20, 2024, a bill related to madrasah registration was introduced in the Senate, including various clauses. The bill, named the Societies Registration Amendment Act, 2024, included several provisions. One of the key clauses changed Section 21 of the 1860 Act to include a new provision on the registration of religious madrasahs. This clause states that every religious madrasah, regardless of its name, must be registered, and any unregistered madrasah will be shut down. Clause B specifies that madrasahs established after the implementation of this bill must complete their registration within a year. Furthermore, religious madrasahs with multiple campuses must register them all at once. Additionally, every madrasah is required to submit an annual report of its educational activities to the registrar. Each madrasah must also have its financial accounts audited by an auditor and submit the audited report to the registrar.
Under this bill, no religious madrasah will be allowed to teach or publish literature promoting extremism, sectarianism, or religious hatred. However, comparative studies of different religions or sects, or topics related to the Quran, Sunnah, or Islamic jurisprudence, will not be prohibited.
The Federal Cabinet also approved policy guidelines for trading in the carbon market on the recommendation of the Ministry of Climate Change and Climate Coordination. Additionally, on the orders of the Peshawar High Court and the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Cabinet approved the delegation of additional powers to the District and Session Judges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for insurance tribunals.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address, discussed various topics with the cabinet members. He shared good news, stating that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in the country. He further stated that the nation will have the opportunity to watch high-quality cricket during the Champions Trophy. Regarding the mega event, the Prime Minister said that all preparations for the tournament have been completed. He expressed hope that Pakistan’s players will showcase the country’s abilities on the cricket field.