News Desk
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to launch a province-wide registration drive for unregistered religious seminaries following reports of alleged irregular activities in some institutions.
Official sources said nearly 300 seminaries have been identified as operating without legal registration. These institutions will now be brought under the formal regulatory framework.
Registration process initiated
Authorities confirmed that data regarding suspicious activities in certain seminaries has been compiled in a central database, prompting the decision to move ahead with regulatory action.
Of the estimated 2,600 seminaries operating across Balochistan, a large number are already registered, while efforts are underway to ensure remaining institutions are formally documented.
Engagement with religious stakeholders
Officials said the government is pursuing a consultative approach and has initiated talks with religious scholars and representatives of major religious bodies to ensure transparency and avoid any misperceptions.
The consultations are aimed at ensuring smooth implementation of the registration process.
Legal framework in focus
The initiative will be implemented under the Balochistan Madrassa Registration Act 2019, which provides a legal structure for the registration and regulation of seminaries in the province.
Officials said the move is intended to strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure compliance with existing laws, rather than target any specific group.
Emphasis on oversight and transparency
Government representatives stressed that the objective of the drive is improved regulation, greater transparency, and curbing any unlawful or unmonitored activities within religious seminaries.
Analysts say effective regulation of seminaries has long been considered important for governance, accountability, and maintaining administrative oversight in the province.
The registration drive marks a significant policy step toward formalising the status of religious seminaries in Balochistan. Authorities believe that, if implemented effectively, it could enhance accountability and address longstanding concerns regarding unregistered institutions.
