Executive Summary
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) held a roundtable on “Mainstreaming Madrassa Students and Its Impact on Counter-Radicalization” on 6 August 2025 in Islamabad. The discussion brought together senior officials, religious scholars, educationists, and civil society members to explore ways to integrate madrassa education into Pakistan’s broader educational and counter-extremism strategies.
PICSS Managing Director Abdullah Khan emphasized that madrassa education is a specialized discipline that should be reformed inclusively rather than marginalized. Major General (Retd.) Dr. Ghulam Qamar, Director General of the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE), outlined ongoing reforms, including registration of over 19,000 madaris, vocational training, and modern curricula to promote harmony and employability.
Participants urged greater transparency, trust, and coordination between the state and religious institutions. The session concluded that collaborative madrassa reform can enhance national cohesion, reduce radicalization risks, and empower students through modern and religious learning.