IT seems it was easier for parliament to amend the Constitution to create military courts, so the government should take meaningful steps to reform madressahs. Most madressahs are political constituencies and a destination of donation for various religious and political parties.

The vested interest jealously guard against any government encroachment upon the autonomy of madressahs. The government’s lack of will and capacity is also a major factor towards lack of reforms.

All madressahs may not be directly involved in extremist or militant activities, but quiet a few of them clearly are. Suicide bombers usually spend the night in local madressahs before carrying out their deadly mission. These madressahs, through their narrow interpretation of religion, create a retrogressive mindset, which has permeated in society, and is sympathetic to the worldview of militants.

If Pakistan wants to win its war against terrorism, it must take action about registration, syllabus regulation and funds audit of madressahs. Unjustified foreign donations have to be plugged at all costs, even if it requires speaking to donor countries.

Akbar Jan

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2015

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