Islamabad-A comprehensive programme has been started to integrate contemporary and religious studies in Madaris and ordinary schools. The programme has been started in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Itihad Tanzimaat-e-Madaris Pakistan. The integration plan has also been included in recommendations of National Ulema and Mashaikh Council, official sources of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said here on Wednesday. Talking to APP, the sources said National Ulema and Mashaikh Council have already been mandated to build counter narrative against extremist ideology in Madaris.
The council has been mandated to review existing recommendations to contain fanatical attitudes and prejudices, to suggest ways and means for its effective implementation, to suggest a code of ethics for Ulema, scholars and leaders of politico-religious parties, as well as the press and to avert possible threats to inter-communal/inter-sectarian harmony and national solidarity. The sources said primary objective of the Council is to contain religious prejudices and extremist attitudes from the minds of religious extremists. The steering and curriculum committees established by the Council have already put forth 45 recommendations, which are being implemented.
Highlighting the achievements of the council, the sources said the curriculum of madaris has been reviewed by Curriculum Committee and recommendations have been made in this regard.
The syllabus of Dawa Academy is being reviewed while all provinces have been requested to constitute Mutahida Ulema Boards to monitor hate literature and forward recommendations to their concerned quarters for its elimination, they said. The sources said introduction of social sciences and contemporary subjects in curriculum of the madaris is also recommended as countering measure to dilute concentration of extremism from the madaris. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has been disbursing salaries to 2199 teachers of madaris who are teaching English, Mathematics, Social/Pakistan Studies and General Science.
