ISLAMABAD, Sept 8: Almost all major Madaris in Islamabad have requested the ministry of religious affairs to provide computers and introduce modern syllabus to help their students shoulder their responsibility in national building activities.

A source from District Auqaf Department (DAD) told Dawn on Sunday that many religious schools were eager to introduce modern education system.

Madaris such as Jamia Mohammadia, Jamia Salfia, Madressah Diobandi E-7, Madressah in F-7/4, Madressah Qamarul Islam Super Market, Imdadia Madressah F-6, Madressah at Bara Kahu, Madressah of Maulana Jalilur Rehman for Girls, Madressah at G-6 were interested in imparting modern and computer education.

“I have found a new world after using computer and I saved almost 4,000 books on one computer disk,” said Maulana Idrees of Madressah at G-6.

He had installed a computer at his own expense and now he could access and consult almost all the renowned libraries and universities of the world.

A DAD official said government should install at least two computers in each Madressah with three master trainers to train the staff and the students in the use of computers.

He said the DAD was following a strict policy in selecting and appointing Imams. Qaris with a degree in Dars-e-Nizami (degree equivalent to masters) were being appointed as Imams of mosques. The course is completed in nine years.

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration had sent a proposal to the government requesting considerable increase in pay structure of Imams and Moazzans of all registered mosques in Islamabad.

The proposal said at present a nine-year course of Dars-i- Nizami approved by the University Grant Commission (UGC) was necessary for Imams of registered mosques. Imams were given Basic Pay Scale (BPS-9).

Similarly, Moazzans of registered mosques who lead prayers and deliver Azaan (prayer call) are given (BPS-4), which is lower than the grade given to a driver in government institutions.