Pakistan has relaxed regulations for religious schools by amending its education policy, which has raised concerns about increased extremism among those who oppose religious education.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia on January 6, approximately 30,000 religious schools known as madrassas in Pakistan have played a role in providing primary education to about three million students, filling gaps in the struggling public school system. Students attending these religious schools receive free meals and accommodation while receiving Islamic education.
Although some view these religious schools as crucial for poor children, anti-religious critics have suggested that loosening oversight of these schools could lead to an increase in extremism.
Recently, the Pakistani government modified its education regulations to allow religious schools to engage in charitable activities. This has raised concerns about Pakistan becoming subject to international scrutiny regarding terrorist financing issues.
According to reports, the proposal to change education regulations was put forward by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, and this change could result in Pakistan being placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) watchlist, potentially affecting its economy and foreign investment.