ISLAMABAD, March 4: Successive governments as well as the present one are responsible for promoting sectarianism in the country.

This was the general view of the participants at the launch of Mosque Madressah Support Programme at the Community Centre Hall, Aabpara on Friday. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Ijazul Haq presided over the event.

The Ulema accused the establishment of promoting sectarianism and creating differences between different sects to serve the West. The speakers delved on issues concerning the role and importance of mosques and Madressahs during the present times.

"The Ulema have been struggling since the creation of Pakistan to bring Madressah education on a par with the mainstream education system," an Imam of a mosque said. However, governments in the past ignored Madressahs and instead used them to train boys to become militants to fight their wars, he added.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Ijazul Haq also came under criticism for failing to perform his duties with responsibility for the betterment of mosques and Madressahs.

"Late Gen Ziaul Haq did more for promoting religious education in mosques and Madressahs than his son," another Imam of a mosque said. In his remarks, the federal minister said the Ulema commanded great respect in the country and were a source of enlightenment.

"There are over 11,000 Madressahs in the country imparting Islamic education to 1,000,000 children. As many as 2,400 Madressahs are providing modern education in Pakistan. This is what the outside world does not know but must be informed of the true image of Madressahs," Mr Haq said, adding that there was a need to change the negative image of Madressahs in the West.

Director Auqaf, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Tariq Mehmood Peerzada recognized the role of Ulema and said their problems would be given due consideration. He asked all participants and Ulema in the audience to send their complaints in writing to the ministry which would be taken up with the highups for early resolution.