Pakistan Resolves Bank Account Issue for Religious Seminaries, Says Ashrafi

The longstanding issue preventing religious seminaries, or madrasas, from opening bank accounts has been resolved, with banks in Islamabad now beginning to process such accounts, according to Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

Ashrafi, who chairs the Pakistan Ulema Council and coordinates the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, made the announcement on Wednesday, praising government efforts in addressing the matter. The issue had reportedly affected madrasas' ability to manage their finances through formal banking channels.

APP's report did not specify how long the issue had persisted or which government bodies were involved in reaching the resolution. Ashrafi's statement credited the government for facilitating the change, which he said would allow religious seminaries in Islamabad to access standard banking services.

The resolution follows broader discussions in Pakistan in recent years over financial regulation of religious institutions, including efforts to bring madrasa finances into formal banking frameworks. It remains unclear from the available report whether the change will extend beyond Islamabad to seminaries elsewhere in the country.