RELIGIOUS extremists are often criticised for their violent approach. But merely criticising them is no solution to religious extremism. We have to scrutnise the foundation upon which they stand.

It is easy to castigate the life of a madressah student but it is much difficult to assert the fact that what is taught in modern educational institutions is far more deadly for the soul, especially for the Muslims.

We have to accept the bitter reality that most ulema do not possess a profound knowledge of modern world, its problems and complexities. But modernists have no right to criticise the ulema for the lack of knowledge they never had the opportunity to receive.

Fahad Afridi

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2018