Islamabad, Dec 5 (LatestNewsX) — While madrasas or Islamic seminaries remain integral to Pakistan’s religious and social fabric, a new report released on Friday alleges they are increasingly being blamed for fostering extremism and militancy.
The study points out that strong clerical opposition, combined with a lack of political will, has left these schools outside the national curriculum. Consequently, many alumni are cut off from mainstream society and more prone to radical ideas.
A piece in Pakistan Observer traces efforts to integrate madrassa education into the public system back to the country’s independence in 1947. Every attempt has faced stiff resistance from religious leaders, undermining progress.
“Extremist ideas were deliberately introduced into madrassa curricula to motivate fighters and transform religious education into a political tool. Students were taught that apostasy and polytheism were punishable by death worldwide, giving them a sense of religious authority to enforce such punishments. They also learned that only Muslims had the right to rule, making non‑Muslim governments illegitimate,” the report says.
“Additionally, madrasas propagated the belief that Muslims everywhere should unite under a single Islamic caliphate, rendering independent Muslim nation‑states unacceptable. The modern sovereign nation‑state was portrayed as a form of polytheism incompatible with Islam. These ideas produced a rigid ideological framework that encouraged militancy and intolerance toward pluralistic political systems,” it adds.
A major hurdle highlighted by the report is the lack of financial oversight. Madrassa administrators, called Muntazims, operate with almost complete autonomy—there are no external audits, and all spendings are approved solely by the institution’s leaders.
“The persistence of failed reform efforts is rooted in deep social, political and institutional factors. Clerical resistance lies at the heart of the issue. Religious leaders see reform proposals as direct threats to their authority, influence and identity. Political expediency adds to the problem: successive governments have relied on clerics for legitimacy and support, making them unwilling to challenge religious institutions directly,” the report underscores.
“Furthermore, the government’s approach has been inconsistent. Reform efforts gain momentum during crises, such as terrorist attacks or international pressure, but are abandoned once the immediate need passes. This stop‑and‑go pattern has prevented long‑term change, leaving the madrassa sector vulnerable to radical influences,” it notes.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
