Imran’s ‘Naya Pakistan’ will allocate more funds for religious education
86
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has called for madressah reforms across the country and for investment of national resources in these institutions.
Mr Khan also decried the printing of blasphemous cartoons in European publications but said leaders of the Muslim world are to be blamed for the repeated publication of the cartoons.
He was addressing a conference organised by PTI’s Ulema Mashaikh wing, on Wednesday, where speakers termed the forced conversion of Hindu girls through marriages ‘unIslamic’.
“Maximum funds will be allocated for education including religious education in the new Pakistan,” he said.
He said that among those responsible for the current situation in the country are ulema and the ordinary citizens. “This is because they have never tried to resist tyranny and injustice,” the PTI chief said.
Mr Khan said that Pakistanis have also remained indifferent to sectarianism and internal conflict in the country.
He said Pakistan needs a welfare system based on Islamic norms of justice and equality of opportunity for all residents. “PTI is striving for healthy change in the country,” Mr Khan said.
The PTI chief said that prior to the 1857 war, madressahs used to be the centre of learning in the subcontinent but colonial rulers destroyed these institutions under a planned conspiracy.
Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2015
On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (86) Closed
Jan 29, 2015 08:32am
this man is a true Chameleon & dwells in crazy man's utopia....
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:34am
The PTI chief said that prior to the 1857 war, madressahs used to be the centre of learning in the subcontinent but colonial rulers destroyed these institutions under a planned conspiracy.
Same old rhetoric no new idea, blame others for your problems. Why blame the British, they had left a decent education system, we Pakistanis destroyed it our self. So British were so bad why did you not fix it, you have been independent country for 68 years.
Indian were given the same education system and they improvised it with time, Their IIT graduates are recognized as one of the best in the world.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:42am
Imran I was supporting you because I was under the impression that you really are going to bring change in Pakistan, a state on the verge of a collapse. However I have to change my mind because you have not done your homework properly and you have have not read the history. The biggest flaw in your politics is the coalition with these MULLAs. I have no idea on what grounds you have picked and chosen some MULLAS to be your ally's and others your opponents. Well Jamat e islami is based on Modoodi's doctrine and this doctrine and the chaos it had created in Pakistan in the past you must read about then decide. If you really think you can make a difference in Pakistan by keeping the clerics by your sides, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:51am
I would support a readjustment and reallocation of funds, not more funds. Besides PK has to move into the 21 century and have secular state and school. Let the parents teach religion. This is the reason PK is half a century backwards.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:52am
Unfortunate headline
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:52am
Pakistan's today's condition is because of same policy of zia ul haq. Ideally, Religion should be personal thing. Because religion wants submission to a particular thought process, where as Science and Maths asks us to question everything. So it is better to separate them, with religion studies in the weekends in the personal time and Schools should teach Science, Maths and Urdu literature. Let the Imran Khan create a Naya Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, before he dreams of creating Naya Pakistan. He has to show the results in KPK.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:52am
What about "real education"?
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:52am
Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind opposed the creation of Pakistan. The actual motive and actions of these two and many other theologically motivated parties is to push for the obsolete doctorine of pan Islamism. It seems that Mr Khan has agreed to subscribe to the same obscurantist approach to politics that his coalition partner, JI, has been skilfully practising since past 70 years. The only way to reform madressah is to absorb them as mainstream educational institutions. They must be treated as ordinary schools so that its students could benefit from normal education.
Will Mr Khan send his children to a madressah? His voters would like to have a clear answer on this count.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 08:59am
Religious education is better than no education.
IK looks frustrated in this photo.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:10am
Perfect step.
In the golden era of Islam, the brightest in the family used to go to be an Islamic scholar. Today the most dumb or the most illerate go there. This shows the level of religiuos education.
Madrssah curriculum needs reforms ASAP as they are the breeding groun for extremism. Shutting them down wont serve any purpose as you will bring the students on streets. Make the madraasah eduational instituion which teaches scientific and religious education side by side.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:15am
@Cyrus Ho PROVE IT!!
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:19am
No education is better than religious indoctrination.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:20am
Any one in Pakistan will ever think of MORE FUNDS FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Education?. These politicians taking Pakistan to stone age.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:23am
Religious education is old Pakistan since Zia.
If Pakistan is to inculcate skills, production, break the begging bowl,
it needs science heavy secular education curriculum.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:33am
Colonial rulers were responsible for creation of the Pakistan. They instigated innocent Muslims to make them apart from Hindus.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:37am
If this is what an Oxford graduate speaks then you have serious doubts about his motives. I think Imran is trying to overthrow NS's government using support from fundamentalists. Indeed, they are the most powerful in our present society. But seriously IK? Never thought you can compromise with the soveriegnity of your mother nation for power. You are indeed a wolf in sheep's skin. I fear what will happen to the country if you become PM?
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:38am
Imran Khan = Taliban Khan. Case closed
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:40am
What else can be expected from Taliban sympathizer who openely supported the stance of opening TTP's office in Pakistan
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:46am
Just what we need !! More talk about religion, more religious schools, better Muslims, no one will have to lock their doors in the naya pakistan, can't wait for islamic values, taught so well in medressahs, to save the nation.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:48am
Just what we need - more religion, more talk about religion, more religious schools, better Muslims - no one will have to lock their doors in naya pakistan, can't wait for Islamic values taught in medressahs, to save our nation.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:52am
imran still panders to extremists!!!!!
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:53am
The country urgently needs world class education in math and sciences in our schools to make it move forward. This is where Pakistan's salvation lies.
For sixty years we have talked and talked and talked of religious education. It is time we talked of a good solid analytical education of math and
sciences. Nations that will not move with the demands of time history will veto them. "Tumharee dastan tak na hogi dastanon main."
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:53am
"leaders of the Muslim world are to be blamed for the repeated publication of the cartoons" .... always blaming others, never taking any responsibility, never objecting the terrorists... yes that's Imran Khan alright.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:54am
Good move. It will help people to understand real religion practice and what a mess we are doing in the name of religion,but first we have standardize the syllabus and must include Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim with correct translation and summary and it is translation and summary which these terrorist play game and change it according to their requirement.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 09:55am
It's a good idea, with bad intentions.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:00am
I heard this speech - its one of the better ones concerning religious extremism. He is saying things that need to be said - like calling on the ulema to fight against the spread of extremism and sectarianism.
as regards madrassas, i agree with him completely. the madrassas need reform. you cant abolish them because they are in fact closely interwoven with local society and also serve a purpose which the govt cant. so instead of wishful thinking its better to aim for reform of the madrassas. whether you like it or not they have huge influence on poor kids across pakistan which drawing room analysts cant match
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:00am
Look at the reaction of Ulemas in this picture !
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:03am
Dear Pakistanis, I seriously feel that this guy is going to be 10 times more dangerous than even the incompetent Nawaz Sharif.
Regards,
Your friendly Indian neighbour.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:04am
Just don't gives your children religious education...its ur choice... What's all the fuss about? However don't impose your ideology on others who would like to do so... Parents who want to send their kids to religious schools have the right to do so...Its the government that have to ensure these schools follow standards curriculum.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:07am
okay IK it was a gradual process but now I can confidently say that you lost my vote.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:07am
@Cyrus Ho he jus got married, must be the reason for his looks....
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:07am
Whats the matter IK. Are we not getting enough petro dollars from KSA?
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:12am
Mr. Taliban Khan(Oxford graduate), if this is your vision for Naya Pakistan then I sincerely hope and pray you never ever win to become Pakistan prime minister.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:17am
Its only due to lack of proper religious teachings that people have so misguided and wrong doings are being done in the name of Islam !
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:27am
If IK loves religious education so much than why did he not send his children to these Madrassas to learn about Islam. Instead he kept them in London with their Jewish mother to teach them about Islam.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:30am
Reading some of the comments posted on this news item shows clearly that people clearly lack comprehension and coupled with the dodgy headline this comments section has become an Imran bashing forum.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:31am
@mashael I fear with educated people like you it would be a travesty to invest in educaion!
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:31am
IK is out of his mind. You allocate funds to maderssahs and you watch the havoc it will create for the country and its people. Maderssahs are the very institutions from where the menace of terrorism took birth.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:35am
Spoken like a true visionary. Blanket educational reforms in madrassahs, including the majority i.e. non-militant madrassahs, is the only way to bring about a sea change in the culture of fundamentalism. Bullets and bombs only serve to alienate and further instigate the surviving fundamentalists who have already been misguided over the years via heavily biased madrassah education.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:38am
There are people every time i see in the comment section saying: IK you lost my vote. To remind them, IK is a leader not an ordinary politician. He does not think what people think but does what is right for them.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:41am
Imran is desperate for power. His oxford education is wasted finally he has gone back to his roots.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:41am
Define irony....My dear Imran Khan....Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.The person who is educated is the one who has learned both DINI AND DUNYAVI ALIM and should be well versed to keep pace with the rapidly changing world..The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:49am
I think its a good thing if he's saying that. Foreign funding of madrassahs has a major role in the spread of extremism since it allows for foreign powers to pursue their vested interests in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:49am
Curses,religious education is the last thing this country needs.
It's a waste of money investing in seminaries,all that money should go into making institutions with academic syllabus that give quality education.The last thing this nation needs is more religiosity.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:50am
Its beyond me, how people will just jump to conclusions by just reading the headline. A very irresponsible editorial work which completely turns the meaning of the article through the headline. IK is talking about spending to reform the madressas, making them a hub of learning amd not terrorism. What irresponsible journalism. Please publish, as it is a social responsibility to clear things, not confuse.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 10:58am
“Maximum funds will be allocated for education including religious education in the new Pakistan,” he said.
To all the people whining and complaining about what he said, maybe you dont want toilets and clean water fountains for kids in madrassahs probably because they are children of a lesser God -_-
@Raju @Citizen: Please stop obsessing with our leaders and affairs. We have wanted to get away and disassociate from you guys since 1947; I hope you understand and comply with our wishes. You dont see us going over to your news sites and trolling there, do you :) ?
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:04am
Totally agree with IKs decision!!..
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:05am
The people who comment here, sitting on nice and easy chair, in warm room does not know the ground realities. In rural areas most of the children still goes to madressah and that is their first choice. If IK is going for madressah education that is the need of the hour. Now a days it has become trend to bash everything on internet that is associated with religion, but infact more than 90% of Pakistanis still don't believe on internet. Shutdown your computer and go out and face the reality.
And please don't try to become expert just reading person opinions of people on twitter. Reality is far more different.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:06am
Nothing good has ever come out of madarsa education especially in Pakistan
Imran is very honest and sincere towards pakistan but his religious ideology is crazy thought
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:07am
IK what are you doing? People are running out of patience. This Naya Pakistan costed a lot to these people. I hope you know people lost their lives, jobs, career, time etc... for this Naya Pakistan
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:08am
"He was addressing a conference organised by PTI’s Ulema Mashaikh wing, on Wednesday, where speakers termed the forced conversion of Hindu girls through marriages ‘unIslamic’. "
Why did not he speak about the topic and clearly condemns forced conversion.
why dont he comes upfront and says terrorism is against the spritis of Islam.
why dont he clearly condemns misuse of blosephemy laws.
He was quite clear on negotiations with terrorist, did not he realise the possiblity of Peshawar like attacks when he was saying these things
Mr. Khan ,people were looking for you after disapponitment from other political parties but you proved to be worst of all.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:18am
The company IK is keeping is not very Good for his Political health.
He has to understand this is not India very Religious extremist Wins Election
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:19am
beware Pakistan. if you choose this man to run your country then you will be the next Afghanistan. i think Nawaz Sharif is the best PM you have in your country right now. love from neighbors.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:45am
Did not expect this from Imran Khan. Religious education should be given at home by parents/grand parents etc by their kind actions. What Pakistan needs is real modern education so the children can grow up to be good and productive citizens, contributing to the well being of the nation.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:45am
@Dr. Syed Jamima converted to Islam on her own.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:47am
I hope he never becomes the PM.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 11:47am
Most of the comments here indicate people didn't even bother reading the article.
“Maximum funds will be allocated for education including religious education in the new Pakistan,” he said.
He said that among those responsible for the current situation in the country are ulema and the ordinary citizens. “This is because they have never tried to resist tyranny and injustice,” the PTI chief said.
Mr Khan said that Pakistanis have also remained indifferent to sectarianism and internal conflict in the country.
What is wrong with this? It's a fact we have many madrassahs which are imparting religious education in the country. Investing in education means you also have to invest in madrassahs and improve their standards, make sure they are not spreading hatred for any sect, etc. If this happens, it would solve a lot of problems. What is the alternate, my liberal friends? Just erase madrassahs from the face of the country? Yeah, I see that happening.
Nowhere did he say that religious education should take the place of regular education. He simply outlined his plan to improve the existing religious education system in the country.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:11pm
@Imtiaz what do you mean by secular education
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:12pm
@Imtiaz what do you mean by secular education
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:13pm
We are dealing with the repercussions of promoting a certain Ideology through violent political movements like the TTP and extreme religious and militant mindset promoted by the Right wing pseudo religious political parties These political parties are complicit in promoting or nurturing these violent movements in the name of Islam.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:13pm
We say that west is suffering from Islamophobia but i guess we have some liberals back home suffering from the same. There is nothing wrong in making reforms in madrassahs infact that is actually whats needed. If reforms are not made they will stay within the hands to these radicals. Maximum funds will be allocated for education "including" religious education in the new Pakistan, this is what he has said.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:17pm
Great cricketer but what an ignorant character. Its really sad if this man wins an election. He'll loose all the respect he has earned all over the world as a cricketer. I used to love him as a cricketer but I am surprised to know the kind of a thoughts he is carrying. Make him religious head but not the head of a nation. Wake up Pakistan!!!!!
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:28pm
Wow! That's exactly what we need. More religious education. What wrong with imran khan. Does he really not know whats happening in the country? We really have no clue how to stop the existing funding to madressahs and how to regulate them and Khan wants more religious education?
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:43pm
After reading the comments given so far, it seems that most of the people commenting about religious education are totally ignorant about the need for (true) religious education in the country. Reality is that vast majority of the nation, including politicians, has gone down to the lowest level of morality due to absence of religious education.
Can anyone show me any book of science and technology which teaches a man how to be a good father, son, brother or a husband, and to a woman how to be a good mother, daughter, sister and a wife?? The basic roles each man and woman has to play in their life. If we can't be good in these roles, how can we be good as a neighbor, politician, shop keeper, and a govt servant etc and when we are given the money and power in our control and use. The whole nation needs to ponder where and how the things started to go wrong...a person who is not obedient to Allah in real sense, can not be any useful otherwise. However, this task of educating people needs to be taken up by religious scholars with moderate approach...the way of our beloved prophet Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam, and should be started simultaneously at every level and for people belonging to every field of life.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:53pm
ullemas are the part of our society, if they are encouraged to do something better for the society, is it bad? A big part of our population go to madrasahs, if the are taught the lesson of brotherhood and humanity (that what Islam says), is it bad? What is bad in his speech?? Is any encouragement to the terrorists? Any support? If yes, than I am sorry, I am wrong, otherwise don't promote irrationalism..
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 12:56pm
Humanity and respect and love for other must be thought .....
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 01:09pm
He is using religion for vote bank politics. There is no interest in actual education.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 01:10pm
Imran Khan is talking sensibly. He, through his speech, urged Ulemah to play their role in the modern world to curb sectarianism which will indeed make ummah closer to each other. Such a wave has been blown that we have become fed up with the religion. I ask every commentator a question. What do you know about world religions? Don't tell me every religiion talks about peace love and so and so. Here Mr. khan is talking about improving religious as well as secular education. Religious and secular education are need of each other. We should be moderate and balanced towards the issues. Secondly, he talked about reforms of Maddresah. What is harm in it? If there are well-educated teachers in Maddresah then what is the problem? ANd let me tell you one thing if you think well-educated people does not resort to violence then you are wrong. I hope answer also lies with you. World is in fire why? who is do this through ignoramus? Think about it.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 01:11pm
@arindam Nawaz Sharif is the best PM? Oh lord have some mercy on this nation.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 01:22pm
Awesome ... This is definitely good for us ...
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 01:28pm
Mr Khan, what happened to your idea of 'same education system for all'? Or will it now be madrassas for everyone??
You have proved yourself to be a confused person, yet again!
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 01:43pm
How easy it is to forget that most of the great muslim scientists were actually from the "Madrassah" system. That being said, the government and Ullemas need to rethink the curriculum taught in these Madrassahs and must find a balance between " Modern Science & technology" and religious education.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 02:09pm
Dear Dawn, your head line should be like this, " Imran's " Naya Pakistan "to allocate more funds for religious education to turn Pakistan into "Purana Pakistan".
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 02:13pm
No more my man any more.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 02:21pm
You so called Liberal need to read the article carefully. He said “Maximum funds will be allocated for education including religious education in the new Pakistan,” He is advocating for Madrassah reform alongside reforms in real education. How does this making him a militant sympathizer or Taliban Khan? For those who are saying he will be worst than Nawaz Sharif, you clearly don't know what you are talking about, Haters gonna hate...
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 02:27pm
@Citizen
You Indians are more than welcome to comment on our Newspapers, we appreciate it. But when you say things that are absurd like "Imran Khan will be 10 times more dangerous than Nawaz", you do not know what you are talking about and we would like you to stay away from our Newspapers.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 02:36pm
I have always said PTI is a soft image of Jamaat-e-Islami, funding mudrassas will give rise to more extreme religious ideology.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 02:56pm
Asalam o alikum. I agreed from the today conference. That today Mr.Imran khan speech and his words that he told will bring the change.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 03:07pm
Problem is we have some of the best education institutes. But just that they are not accessible to a medium or lower class earning family.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 03:12pm
Sir IK, 1.5 years in KPK govt now, time to change "Will" into "Is".
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 03:12pm
@Kashif Dear kashif, I am sure there are more minds like you in Pakistan who will make difference in taking Pakistan towards Sanity. Rabh Raakha.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 03:22pm
Of greater concern to us should be that what little progress was made by the previous KP government in modernizing school textbooks, is being undone by PTI and its ally Jamaat Islami, who are reinforcing "ideology" in them.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 03:26pm
“Maximum funds will be allocated for education including religious education in the new Pakistan,” he said. That does not mean that the absolute amount going in religious education is bound to rise. Similarly, it may mean the absolute amount will be raised bringing down the share alotted to education at the same time. Depends. The headline "Imran’s ‘Naya Pakistan’ will allocate more funds for religious education" is misleading.
Though, I would be happy if he invests more in religious education. Extremism is an outcome of lack of true knowledge of the faith. Taliban were US-funded proxy for containing Soviet forces. Religion here was used as an instrument for brainwashing.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 04:03pm
@Jon. You don't have to follow what Indians or people of any nationality say on "our" newspaper sites, but asking them to stay away is no solution. There is no harm if another view is expressed. I find Dawn's practice of publishing even adverse comments made by Indians truly inspiring. I hope Dawn does not change this policy.
Recommend
0
Jan 29, 2015 04:28pm
There is only one Pakistan. No more deceiving of the nation through false slogans. We want Pakistan of 1947. It is a country of 200 million and not a cricket team of 11. Save this country from your egoistic fights please.
Recommend
0
Jan 31, 2015 11:09am
Why there is need to fund in this sector as they killed more kids? I do't like this.Its better to seek worldly education sop that you can survive better life by having good Manners. I am seeking IT Education in skyliteinstitute and find it suitable as my teachers guide me not only for IT education but also good Manners as well. So, why we need to get education from Madrasas where We saw a lot terrorist attacks everyday? AND Why we need to funds that places?
Recommend
0
