Religious Education in Pakistan

Overview & Synopsis

Almost two centuries of British colonial rule in the Asian subcontinent came to an end in 1947 with the creation of a new state named Pakistan and an independent state of India. On 14 August 1947, the state of Pakistan was born primarily as a homeland for Muslims. The Pakistani constitution states that primary education should be free and compulsory for all children. However, this has been a difficult goal to achieve leading to a schooling system that can be divided into three sections. There are public schools run by the government which are free of charge and follow the matriculation curriculum and examinations set by the Federal Ministry of Education. The second-highest student enrolment is seen in private schools. The third stream of available education are the Madrassas or religious schools. The primary aim of Madrassas is the development of future religious scholars. This article briefly discusses religious education in Pakistan.