No crackdown against seminaries: interior minister

Says madrassas and mosques are playing a pivotal role in serving Muslims

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah has dispelled the impression that the Centre has launched a crackdown against religious institutions, saying the government has no intention to close down madrassas.

“The madrassas and the mosques are playing a pivotal role in serving Muslims and as such the government has no intention to crack down against madrassas,” Shah said during his meeting with the Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi on Monday.

“However, we will make efforts for eradicating extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence at all levels,” he said.

Shah lauded the role played by religious leaders in promoting the message of peace as enunciated in Islam. He said, “Islam is a religion of peace and advocates harmony with other religions.”

He congratulated Ashrafi on getting an award from the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). “It is an honour that the Pakistan Ulema Council chairman was selected for accolades.”



Ashrafi told the minister that Ulema and madrassas would support the government at every level for eradication of extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence.

He praised the government’s decision to register madrassas with the Ministry of Education. “We will support all positive steps taken by the government for resolution of the problems faced by madrassas and mosques,” he said.

He dedicated his OIC award to the martyrs and warriors who fought war against terrorism and extremism. He assured Interior Minister Shah that United Ulema Board, also headed by Ashrafi, has decided to seize all literature provoking extremism and terrorism.