n Changing mindsets is not an easy task Much has been said about how extremism has taken root in Pakistan and the resultant wave of violent terrorism it has given birth to. The role of madrasas has often been a central focus of this debate, specifically how many of them have transformed from being centers of religious instruction to active recruiting grounds for militants waging a global jihad. In this respect, it has often been said that the curriculum taught in madrasas fuels terrorism. Similar remarks were made at a seminar in Karachi the other day. Considering Pakistan's internal struggle with violent militancy, the need to discuss madrasa reform is more relevant than ever, writes Dawn in its editorial. Excerpts: It would be wrong to say that all madrasas are actively involved in supporting violent jihadi militancy. But there is enough evidence to prove that many of them have links to militant outfits. The basic problem is the mindset madrasas engender. This mindset can produce individuals intolerant of others' beliefs and, in its worst form, it can also produce people who morally and materially support terrorism. As the recent WikiLeaks disclosure pointed out, madrasas can have a significant societal impact. Hence changing the mindset a madrasa education creates is the critical challenge. Several reform initiatives have been launched, most noticeably during the Musharraf era. But these have fizzled out as the government has buckled under the pressure of the religious right. After all, changing mindsets that have been conditioned over decades is not an easy task. Attempts to reform madrasas have often been viewed as a conspiracy to “secularize” religious institutions. But regardless of the obstacles, the state cannot abandon the goal of reforming them. Reforms, many experts feel, should focus on two areas: madrasa students should be taught technical skills as well as “modern” subjects so that they can find gainful employment once in the real world. Second, and perhaps more importantly, madrasas must clearly sever all links with militant outfits and purge their curriculum of hate material that demonizes other sects or religions. Madrasas that fail to do so should face state action just like any other educational institution violating the law. Comprehensive legislation regulating the registration, operation and curriculum of madrasas is required to guide this process. Eliminating extremism from society is a long-term goal and reforming madrasas is just one part of the process. However, the state needs to take the first step and stay committed, while society must support this process. __
