LAHORE: The Punjab government has reached an agreement with Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan to transfer, in phases, administrative control of 177 seminaries and 330 mosques previously associated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), according to official documents and a memorandum issued by Sahibzada Abdul Mustafa Hazarvi, Nazim-e-Aala of the board.
In the memorandum, a copy of which is available with The News, Hazarvi formally assures the provincial government that Tanzeem-ul-Madaris will take charge of the identified institutions and abide by the conditions laid down by Punjab. The memo commits all affiliated madaris and mosques to uphold national security, state stability and communal peace and to “distance themselves from all forms of mischief or violence.”
Under the agreed terms, no space is to be afforded to any suspicious or violent actor within the management, faculty or student body. The institutions undertake neither to participate in nor permit any activity against the state or the nation. Compliance with state laws and policies is mandatory and the government reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings in the event of any breach.
As part of the transition, Tanzeem-ul-Madaris has dispatched an affidavit (Form) to the heads and administrators of seminaries being brought under its fold. Signatories must provide their name, CNIC number and the name of their Darul Uloom or Jamia, and attest in writing that their institutions will not engage in, support, or allow any activity detrimental to national security, public order or the law. The affidavit also commits the seminaries to promote patriotism within their remit and instruct students in respect for the law. Violations will invite legal and disciplinary action by the competent authorities.
Officials said the provincial Auqaf Department had maintained interim administrative control for the past 20 days, providing prayer leaders and muazzins to ensure regular congregations, including Friday prayers, during the handover period.
According to senior government sources, District Intelligence Committees (DICs) in all districts have been tasked to scrutinise and clear the new managements of the mosques and seminaries. Deputy commissioners and DICs have further been assigned to reconstitute peace committees where required, including replacing any member found to be affiliated with TLP, the sources added.
