ISLAMABAD, Dec 09 (APP):Federal Minister for Ed
ucation and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has emphasized the importance of madrasas during an address at a significan
t conference, stating that they are not a problem but a source of str
ength for the nation.
Addressing an Uema Conference held here on Monday, he clarified that the purpose of bringing madrasas under the Ministry of Ed
ucation’s registration framework in 2019 was not to control them but to provide better facilities.
The minister pointed out that international forces have often targeted madrasas in their attempts to pressure Pakistan. However, he stressed that these institutions have always played a vital role in shouldering the nation’s responsibilities.
Highlighting the country’s ed
ucation challenges, Siddiqui revealed that around 25 million children in Pakistan are out of school, with 3.5 million of them enrolled in madrasas. He further remarked that if ed
ucation is being treated as a commercial activity, it should be overseen by the Ministry of Commerce. However, if it remains an ed
ucational matter, the Ministry of Ed
ucation should handle the registration of madrasas.
Referring to an agreement made in 2019 with religious scholars, Siddiqui noted that its purpose was to resolve the issues faced by madrasas, not to exert undue pressure on them. He assured that the Ministry of Ed
ucation would extend all possible cooperation to address their concerns.
In conclusion, Siddiqui underscored that the existence of madrasas is not a burden but a blessing for the nation. He reaffirmed the commitment to making decisions in the national interest without succumbing to political pressure.
