By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: ceremony of the Zalmi Madrasa League Punjab was held at Punjab University, where Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, attended as the chief guest. 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 were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the ceremony, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that it was a matter of great pleasure to meet students and teachers of madaris. He raised the question that if madaris are being brought into the mainstream, should it be considered a wrongdoing? He stated that unfortunately, madaris had fulfilled a role that the state itself should have performed. The Speaker noted that nearly 25 million children are out of school across the country; however, the Punjab government has increased the education budget threefold, which is a welcome step.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized that students of madaris must be provided equal educational and sports opportunities so that they may become doctors, professionals, and productive citizens through modern academies. He stated that whether students choose to become religious scholars or pursue other professions, state resources must be accessible to them, including modern technology, artificial intelligence (AI) education, and sports facilities.
The Speaker further stated that participation of teams from fifteen Wafaq-ul-Madaris conveyed a powerful message to the world that unity creates strength, just like a beautiful bouquet formed by diverse flowers. He added that although the Punjab government has significantly increased funding for madaris, there remains a need for greater attention and continued patronage. Rejecting the perception of linking madaris with extremism, he said that madaris are centers of peace, tolerance, and harmony.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that two thousand sports grounds are being constructed in schools across the province, which will also be accessible to private institutions and madaris. He said that emerging talent from madaris, schools, or universities will be provided platforms at the national level, adding that the Punjab government is committed to producing international sports heroes like Arshad Nadeem.
Secretary Home Punjab Ahmad Javed Qazi stated that the Punjab government is introducing a digital registration system for madaris to ensure ease and transparency for teachers and students. Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta termed the participation of madrasa students in sports as a positive activity, stating that sports promote discipline, training, and a healthy society, and that madrasa students have the potential to bring pride to the country through sports.
Vice Chancellor Punjab University Professor Dr. Khalid said that the resources of Punjab University are available for students and expressed satisfaction that the university grounds were utilized by madrasa students. He added that Punjab University will continue to provide sports facilities and opportunities to students in the future.
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