Since the advent of Pakistan, the madrassas were, generally, doing a good job – imparting balanced religious education. Zia on seizing power through a coup saw that his only chance of success lay in exploiting Islam. The conduct of certain political elements in those fateful days would remain an enigma. It is axiomatic that national interest was not the priority of the motley crowd. No wonder they supported the usurper adding another confounding chapter to our decrepit history.
The reform of the madrassa system, long overdue, stands out as a crying need. It is difficult to deny the unique contribution of genuine madrassas to our religious ethos during the period of the British Empire in India. Such institutions lifted the morale of the downtrodden Muslims after they were rendered pariahs in their own country after losing power. Their mission of spreading religious education with a positive interpretation of the Islamic tenets after the disastrous experiences of 1857 produced stalwarts like Sir Syed Ahmed, Allama Iqbal, the Quaid-i-Azam etc. Unfortunately as we have lagged behind in achieving our educational targets since 1947, our society tends to be bogged down in ignorance and dogmatism.
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