Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday. PHOTO: PID
As per a joint declaration issued after the meeting chaired by interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and attended by representatives of Itehad Tanzeemul Madaris, an apex body of all five school of thoughts madaris, it was agreed that seminaries will be registered under existing laws. Separate committees would be formed for implementing reforms in madrassas.
In the curriculum reforms committee, which will prepare recommendations, representatives of religious affairs ministry, madaris and provincial government would also be included.
The madaris registration committee comprising representatives of madaris, provincial and federal governments will prepare a registration form to get all credentials.
A coordination mechanism will also be established between madaris and the government so that joint efforts could be made effective against terrorism. Further, the meeting unanimously condemned the Peshawar school incident with a pledge that terrorism in all its manifestation would be eradicated with national unity.
As per new arrangements, madaris will now only get foreign aid after it has been routed through the government so that a mechanism could be formed for ensuring audits.
The state will also seek the services of Ulema in defeat terrorists on intellectual front.
The joint declaration also condemned the French magazine Charlie Hebdo for publishing offensive cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). A similar declaration was also issued after another meeting with media representatives, which says that a committee under the head of information minister Pervez Rasheed has been formed to ensure smooth working.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that in the first phase, the government would ensure registration of madaris. A meeting would also be held with administration of those seminaries which are currently not under the ITMP.
Nisar said that madaris administrations had assured the government that they stand with the nation in the ongoing war against terrorism and militancy.
Govt will allay political parties' reservations on 21st Amendment: Nisar
Earlier, Nisar said the government would address the concerns of political parties that still have reservations over the 21st Amendment.
The interior minister also said that every Pakistani should play their role in combating terrorism.
“There should be unity; unity within citizens, politicians to combat terrorism in the country,” Nisar said.
“When there was a terrorist attack in Paris, everyone in France was united and showed solidarity. Over here, politicians indulge in ‘finger pointing’ instead of taking action and coming together,” Nisar said.
Addressing the media, Nisar also urged religious institutions to cooperate with the government to identify potential terrorists.
“For now, we have proof that around 90% of madrassahs are not involved in any terrorist activities. However, if there is any indication of any terrorist activity at a madrassah, stern action will be taken immediately,” Nisar said.
Condemning the attack on the Army Public School, the interior minister said that it is not permissible in any religion to slaughter children mercilessly.
“God forbid, if any incident occurs in the near future, I appeal to the entire nation to not disperse, but instead, unite against this menace,” Nisar stressed.
Further, referring to United States' Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Pakistan, Nisar said that all issues were put on the table regarding combating terrorism in the country.
COMMENTS (8)
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Bas baatein karwa lo. A little distance from the parliament is the epicenter of madressah related terrorism LAL MASJID! Go after them first and show that that you can walk the talk
Now that the heat is up they'e hunting with the hounds now.. Soon they'll be running with the hares once the dust settles...
Ch. Nisar playing old PR games. Decoded message: seminaries will carry on business as usual, as long as they keep low profile.
Nobody believes him. This Nisar is a joke. A sidekick of Nawaz from the old days. He is a liability now. Nawaz cannot fire him. Because Nisar knows too many secrets. So the Joker keeps on entertaining the people, with his horrible jokes.
This is what is known as battle tactics........when you realize you are being beaten, you step back and agree to anything.......thereby gaining time to fight again, with more vigor. The government knows this and goes along with it ( every time )........showing they are complicit and not serious to counter this problem.
Even after 66 years of fake and worst policies. That had been destroyed generations. Still Pakistan doesn't understand any lesson from history. The prime duty of each and every institution and department is to serve Nation and humanity through honest and dedicated efforts. The worst corrupt and individual interest has brought Pakistan and its entire Nation to such destruction. Pakistan must now come to adopt honest and civilized ways to resolve each issue. The use of media, fake name of national interest and security and war on terror could bring more worst crisis. Equal rights, even distribution of power and resources, the same rules and law for all, anti-corruption movement, mutual respect, respect for diversity, culture and faith, dedicated National service and merit can bring prosperity and could make Pakistan a real welfare state. Remember terrorism doesn't exist it has been forces to implement the hidden agenda, suppression and exploitation of innocent people and their basic freedom and rights.
these reservations are their survival sancturies