Serious questions have emerged over the registration, financial transparency and political activities of religious seminaries operating across Pakistan, including institutions reportedly linked to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), led by Fazlur Rehman.
According to the figures cited in the report, Pakistan has approximately 40,000 religious seminaries, with a substantial number reportedly operating without registration. The situation has renewed calls for stronger regulatory oversight, financial accountability and transparency in the religious education sector.
Unregistered madrassas and political activities
The report raises questions about the political affiliations of seminaries associated with JUI-F and their alleged involvement in political mobilisation.
It also highlights concerns over the participation of underage students in political rallies, demonstrations and sit-ins, raising questions about children’s educational rights and the separation of religious education from political activities.
Religious seminaries are primarily established to provide religious education. However, concerns over their involvement in political activities have intensified calls for effective monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations.
Financial transparency and donations under scrutiny
The financial management of religious seminaries has also come under scrutiny, particularly regarding domestic and overseas donations.
Questions have been raised about the sources of funding, financial reporting, auditing procedures and the use of donations received by institutions.
The report calls for a transparent mechanism to monitor financial contributions and ensure that funds are used for their stated educational and religious purposes.
Security concerns and regulatory oversight
The report also raises security-related concerns regarding alleged connections between certain seminaries and banned militant networks, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
However, such serious allegations require independent investigation and verifiable evidence before any institution or individual can be held responsible.
Questions have also been raised about reported connections involving Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network figures.
Calls for registration, audits and accountability
The findings have renewed calls for comprehensive registration of religious seminaries, independent financial audits and stronger regulatory oversight.
Experts and policymakers have repeatedly highlighted the importance of bringing all educational institutions within the legal framework while protecting religious education and students’ rights.
The key questions now concern transparency in funding, compliance with registration requirements and safeguards against the political exploitation of underage students.
