In a significant push for educational inclusivity, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has declared that students of religious seminaries, or madaris, must be granted the same access to modern education, technology, and sports facilities as their peers in mainstream institutions. He emphasized this as a crucial step to empower them to become productive citizens and future professionals.
State's Fundamental Responsibility
The speaker made these remarks while addressing the Zalmi Madrasa League Punjab ceremony at Punjab University on Tuesday, where he served as the chief guest. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that integrating madaris into the national mainstream is a fundamental duty of the state. He expressed profound satisfaction at the opportunity to interact with the students and teachers from various seminaries present at the event.
The ceremony saw the attendance of several key officials, including Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, Secretary Home Punjab Ahmad Javed Qazi, Vice Chancellor Punjab University Professor Dr. Khalid, Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, and Chief Executive Officer of Zalmi Foundation Mian Abbas Zalmi.
Threefold Budget Increase and Concrete Initiatives
Highlighting the government's commitment, the speaker praised the Punjab government's decision to triple the education budget as a commendable move to tackle existing challenges. He stressed that madrasa students deserve equitable opportunities in education, modern technology—including artificial intelligence—and sports infrastructure. This support, he argued, would enable them to excel as doctors, scholars, and professionals, regardless of whether they pursue religious scholarship or other career paths.
Referring to the participation of teams from fifteen different Wafaq-ul-Madaris in the league, Khan said it sent a powerful message of unity and strength, much like a bouquet of diverse flowers. He firmly rejected any attempts to link madaris with extremism, asserting instead that these institutions are pillars of peace, tolerance, and social cohesion.
Government Announces Development Projects
Speaking at the same event, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced a major provincial initiative, revealing that 2,000 sports grounds are being developed in schools across Punjab. He confirmed that these facilities would be accessible to private educational institutions and madaris alike. The minister added that emerging talent from madaris, schools, and universities would be provided platforms at the national level, reaffirming the government's commitment to nurturing international sports icons like Arshad Nadeem.
Secretary Home Ahmad Javed Qazi outlined a practical step towards modernization, announcing that a digital registration mechanism for madaris is being introduced. This system aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and better facilitation for both teachers and students.
Sports as a Tool for Discipline and Health
Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta praised the involvement of madrasa students in sports, describing it as a constructive initiative. He noted that sports foster discipline, training, and contribute to building a healthier society.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Punjab University, Professor Dr. Khalid, assured that the university's academic and sporting resources remain open for madrasa students. He also expressed his satisfaction that the university grounds were being utilized for this unifying sporting event.
The collective message from the leadership was clear: providing madrasa students with modern facilities and opportunities is not just an educational reform, but a necessary investment in national unity and future prosperity.
