Parallel Education Systems
By Lt Col (R) M Afzal Sadiq

EDUCATION in Pakistan is based on two different systems that are diagonally opposed to each other. The widely accepted system is based on secular education giving basics of Quranic interpretation and code of Islamic way of life.

It encompasses other areas of discipline like science, mathematics, economics, geography, history, English, political science, etc so as to equip an individual to become marketable in this fast advancing world.

The other is religious education “Deeni Taleem”. The basic school is a Maktab. Here in addition to reading, writing Urdu, Arabic is taught. A Madrassah is a religious schools as Arabic is taught as a part of the curriculum.

A Jamia is a university where advance studies are pursued and graduates issued degrees eg Al-Azhar, Deoband, Qum, Nadwa. These universities include subjects like mathematics, general science, English, history, etc where basics are taught Madaris are old institutions that have survived 1400 years of varying period of ups and downs in regimes of the past era.

During the Taliban period and before the Afghan war Madaris had been the focus of the American media where American grants were dished out to educate and indoctrinate the Taliban to fight a Jehad against the Russian forces.

When the American mission was achieved these Jehadis became a target of media’s perpetual criticism. American guns were drawn against Taliban and Afghanistan lay in rubbles. A Madrassah is not a monolithic institution with a single structure to teach religion only.

In the South and Central Asia it is a source of social stability and legitimate target of political reforms. In 2003 there were 10,430 Madaris in Pakistan. In the early years Madaris were mosque-based Deeni schools similar to the British schools attached to the Churches.

In recent years emphasis was shifted to technical subjects as the prime aim was to produce religious scholars, who would be economically self-supporting. Madaris produced Moulvis who were emplyed as Imams at the low level.

Those Madrassahs teaching broader spectrum of subjects produced Alams of a higher category who had Deeni and Duniyawi Taleem. The product of Madrassah had little knowledge of modern world.

This built up a spirit of animosity and alienation to global affairs in the political arena. This is the reason why the Mullah element in Pakistan is allergic to current global changes that are surfacing as a result of global advancement in scientific field. These Madaris have a firm root in our society. Majority of the students are from poor class who cannot afford any expenses.

These Madaris are a haven for such students as all their needs for education, board and lodge, clothing, pocket expenses are met by these Madaris. In addition an influx of middle class students from Tableegi families who join this category of institution where their children receive secular and Deeni Taleem.

Drop out rate in these Madaris is 60 per cent. Harsh discipline, poverty, mal-treatment are some reasons for the high drop out rate. The other type is the secular one. Normal education institute that besides teaching Islamiat (Deeni Taleem) are engaged in teaching worldly subjects that prepare a student to jump into the market and compete for employment.

Here there is one class, the rich who send their children to English medium school and have a choice to clear A or O level. Government-run schools offer free education up to matric.

Unfortunately, the poor lot prefer Madaris as these take load off their back in all matters relating to education. The end product from a Deeni Madrassah lacks vision to perceive and analyse things in the light day-to-day occurrences in the fast moving world.

He stands at a disadvantage to compete in the market for jobs relating to areas where he lacks knowledge and expertise. Extremism in thoughts action is unacceptable in society and this act as a great deterrent to his contributions to the society at large.

The Government decision to equate Sanads issued by the religious universities with the degrees from academic universities was a judgement in bad taste. The Mullah element in the country became MNAs, MPAs and we have seen their performance in the Assemblies.

A reversal in this policy is need of the hour. This element is hell-bent confronting Shariat Laws in country where are some cheaters, liars, untrustworthy, corrupt, back biters, gamblers, rapists, murderers, (you name an evil, you have it in the society). How can you impose Shariat Laws?

We should look at the West. They have owned all Islamic principles/values and are free from these evils. The Mullah element should devote energies to educate the masses to follow Islamic values. Mere preaching does not help. Let them set an example. When we have built-up a society that matched in the days of Caliphs — let them then talk of Shariat Laws.

The Government is advocating a policy of “Enlightened Moderation” which if followed will take the country to a path of moderation as opposed to extremism. The Government has ordered all foreign students in Madaris, out. This is a good decision to cool off the heat being built-up after the London blasts in the international arena.

Further steps are needed to grapple situation that is getting out of control in Madaris.

These are: (i) No Pakistani be permitted to operate any Deeni Madrassah in a foreign country. All such Madaris be closed within two months.

(ii) No foreign student be permitted to study in Pakistani Madaris in the future. No foreigner be allowed an entry into the Madrassah unless he has Government approval for such visit.

(iii) Sanads issued to Alims be temporarily annulled. The holders of these Sanads should appear in respective Universities, Boards to clear their exams. Appropriate certificate, degree will be issued to those who pass.

(iv) The curriculum of Madaris be brought in line with the curriculum being followed by the boards, universities as such. Those who pass will be given appropriate degree/certificate.

(v) The Ministry of Religious Affairs will register all Madaris.

(vi) The Ministry of Education will monitor all Madaris with regard to administration, technical functions. The EDO (Education) at the District level will control all Madaris in his District. He will enjoy all powers he exercises to control normal institutions.

(vii) Accounts of these Madaris will be audited by Provincial Audit Dept every year and report submitted to the Minister of Education.

(viii) Functioning of these Madaris will be watched by the Local Government agencies and reports initiated where required. Madaris will not publish any material that whips up religious sentiments of the public or the students.

It is time the Government took drastic action on the activities of these Madaris and reined them in to become useful educational institutions capable of delivering an end product that enters the mainstream and contributes to the prosperity and solidarity of the country. We do not want suicidal bombers taking birth in the land of the pure, Pakistan, whatever the reason.●

© 2005 Lt Col (R) M Afzal Sadiq