Madressah reforms

This refers to the letter ‘A real cure’ (February 1) by B A Malik. The writer goes along with Imran Khan in asserting that modern education in madressahs would bring students to the mainstream of society. A number of top leaders of terrorist organisations are highly educated professionals – including doctors and computer experts. Imran Khan’s previous stance regarding negotiations with militants and the stoppage of the Nato supply lines has already been negated by the ongoing acts of terrorism.
The old adage ‘nip the evil in the bud’ seems relevant in this case. Imparting computer knowledge along with the current madressah curriculum will not yield anything positive. Prevention implies that madressahs should be treated on par with other educational institutions where Islamiat is taught as a compulsory subject. Madressah students should, however, be provided free boarding and lodging and they should be exempted from paying fees. This is how they can play a useful role in society.
Dr Najeeb A Khan
Islamabad