The federal government has agreed to increase the number of boards for the affiliation and representation of madrassas to streamline the educational system of religious schools of thought.
Though the government’s move is being welcomed by different religious circles, the current federations of madrassas have also opposed it.
Currently, there are five religious school federations in Pakistan. These include the Deobandi School of Thought (Wifaqul Madarisul Arabia), Tanzeemul Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, Wifaqul Madaris Al-shia, Wifaqul Madaris Salafia and Rabta-ul-Madaris (Jamaat-e-Islami).
A religious school federation has the status of a madrassa council, which awards certificates to students.
In addition, Minhajul-Quran International, Jamia Ashrafia, Jamia Muhammadiyah Ghousia and Darul Uloom Jamia Binoria Karachi also have the authority to issue certificates.
The government has also agreed to increase the number of madrassas, as per reports. These religious schools would be eligible to affiliate with any federation or board of madrassas.
Dr. Tanveer Qasim, an educationist, said that the education system should be in line with the state’s policy, whether it is a religious school or a traditional school. Simultaneously, it is also necessary to address the concerns of the stakeholders in religious schools.
