Deeni Madaris have not been put to the required
reforms. Their affiliations with political, sectarian and militant organization
is a matter of major concern to the nation. A survey conducted by The Institute
of Pakistan Studies reveals that 172 madaris out of 251 i.e. almost 60 % of
them have political affiliations, rest are affiliated with religious sectarian
parties that are extremists and militant and 3% with other mainstream parties.
As many as 100 madaris, headed by their so called ‘Maulanas’ openly oppose
military operation against Taliban in tribal areas. Action should be taken against
them. They are doing more harm than good to the nation. The madaris must be put
to necessary reforms as early as possible.
The governments of the past have paid lot of lip
service to the cause of education by pledging to achieve 100% literacy rate at
the earliest. The present government is also busy in building up a fresh image
of its own. It should, however, realize that such objectives can be achieved
only by a leadership of exceptional abilities at implementation of the
projects.
The task is not an impossible one. Many Far Eastern
countries have done it before. Pakistan can also do it for which it needs a
socio-political system in the country that is friendly and merciful to
education. It needs a stubborn dedication at all levels to promote’the cause of
education. It needs a burning desire for the social uplift of the nation
through education. Above all it needs a leadership with extra-ordinary will
power to get the things done. Without these essentials even the finest vision
will fail to work.
The question is whether the present government is
blessed with all the above essentials? The answer is obvious. Its so called
democratic ifs and buts, pulls and pushes, absence of consensus, preoccupation
with problem of survival, lack of good governance, rampant corruption, absence
of respect for education etc and above all the excuse of financial constraints
may not ie.it take the required steps in the desired direction.