Madrasa education in the Pakistani context: challenges, reforms and future directions

Educational institutions in Pakistan function under three separate systems-public, private anti 'madrasas'. The media and the government turned their attention towards the 'madrasas' only after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, as there was a growing perception that terrorism in the region is fueled by these 'madrasas' Although several studies have been undertaken to analyze the 'madrasa' curriculum and its impact on the students, the role and attitudes of 'madrasa' teachers, and the challenges they face, have largely been neglected. This paper is based on interviews and focused group discussions conducted with 'madrasa' teachers in Pakistan to gauge what, in their view, is required to reform the system. It also provides some recommendations for directions that public policy could take to address religious radicalism.