Reforms plan: Seminaries pledge support to govt in war against terror

Interior minister says stern action will be taken against madrassahs that indulge in terrorist activity

ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday secured the support of clerics in the war against terrorism through implementation of its comprehensive madrassa reforms plan, including registration of all seminaries and crackdown against those having any direct or indirect role in militancy.

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.

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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.