Zardari threatens to shut down madrassas

The PPP Co-Chairman said that the Government in Pakistan plans to bring economic, political and social transformation of the tribal areas - the hotbed of terrorist activity, and integrate these areas into the mainstream of Pakistani society.

He said that Pakistan was facing a looming energy and water crisis that threatened its resurgence. He said that to meet the challenge the government will create 2,200 new megawatts of power this year alone and tackle the water issue on an emergency basis reducing water consumption by one half.

He said that education had been made a high priority “not just because it is right, but also because it is in the long-term strategic interests of Pakistan and the world”.

About the political madrasas and education curriculum he said, “In Pakistan political madrasas have spread hatred and intolerance. We will move to provide a uniform and responsible national curriculum, both for public and seminary education, so that the children of Pakistan have an opportunity for the future free of intimidation and coercion. And if political madrasas will not conform to the national curriculum, we will shut them down.”

He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Bhutto’s life was taken away from her but no one can take away her dreams and her vision that inspired the entire world. Men and women can be killed but great ideas were immortal, he said.