Govt encouraging madrassas to register with DGRE to access modern educational support: NA Told

ISLAMABAD, May 12 (APP):Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar on Tuesday informed the National Assembly that the government was encouraging seminaries (madrassas) across the country, including in Balochistan, to register with the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE) in order to facilitate them through modern educational and technical support programmes.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MNA Ms. Naeema Kishwer Khan regarding issues being faced by madrassas in Balochistan, the minister said the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training had established the DGRE to assist registered seminaries by providing teachers on stipend, technical education opportunities, and access to contemporary education alongside religious instruction.

She said the initiative aimed to ensure that students studying in madrassas could also benefit from modern disciplines such as technical education, medical sciences, engineering, and information technology, enabling them to pursue broader career opportunities in the future.

Wajiha Qamar said registration with DGRE would be highly beneficial for madrassas in Balochistan as it would help integrate seminary students into the national education framework and provide them access to facilities such as connected classrooms, IT infrastructure, and digital learning initiatives.

Clarifying concerns raised regarding registration requirements under the Balochistan Charity Registration Authority, the minister said the matter did not fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, the Ministry of Federal Education, or DGRE.

She emphasized that the government deeply acknowledged and appreciated the important role madrassas were playing in imparting education and moral training, particularly in remote areas where access to formal schooling remained limited.

The minister said the government was not creating difficulties for seminaries, adding that the registration process under DGRE was solely intended to facilitate madrassas and improve educational opportunities for students.

She further stated that any issues related to provincial or district authorities in Balochistan were separate matters and had no connection with the federal education ministry or DGRE.

Wajiha Qamar reiterated that the government remained committed to extending educational support and modern learning facilities to madrassa students across the country to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children.