Essay On Religious Education In Pakistan

During the time period of Zia-ul-Haq’s government, various steps were taken to reform the education policy, even though most of them had little to no impact. Textbooks were changed to remove any and all un-Islamic content and such books which contained un-Islamic content were removed from the libraries of Pakistan. Offices, schools, factories and other places were required to have prayer rooms. Islamic scholars became a fixture on television shows. Islamiat and Pakistan Studies were made compulsory and were to be taught in all types of education institutes. The government took an initiative to build mosques in rural areas. The government organized international conferences and provided funding for Islamic research topics. Religious education was also made compulsory for prisoners during the government of Zia-ul-Haq. Madrassas – traditional religious

MADRASSA EXPANSION The Islamization process started by General Zia-ul-Haq’s government in 1979 also contributed to the upstart of madrasas. In the history of Pakistan, for the very first time, the expansions of religious education from Zakat and Ushr funds happened. The number of madrassas increased from 893 to 2801 during Zia’s years. Madrassas had an important place in Pakistani religious and social life. Most of them were Deobandi while one quarter of them were Barelvi. Ahle Hadith or Wahabi Muslims had their own schools, as did the Shias. Most of the students were from poor families or were orphans. Conditions in schools were regularly criticized by human rights groups as overcrowded and inhumane. Students were treated as prisoners and physical abuse was very common there. There were no extra-curricular activities. Radios and television were banned. At the primary level, students were taught to read, memorize and recite the Holy Quran. The explanation of the Holy Quran and other branches of Islamic studies was introduced at the higher level of