8216;Pak madrasas creating atmosphere of intolerance8217;

A US commission on religious freedom expressed deep concerns about the alleged role of madrasas in providing ideological training to religious extremist.

A US commission on religious freedom expressed deep concerns over links between Pakistan8217;s extremist groups and ISI,saying some of the madrasas in the country are creating 8220;an atmosphere of intolerance8221;.

8220;The largely unchecked growth of Islamic extremist groups,whose members take part in violence targeting religious minorities in Pakistan and who are linked to international terrorism in the region and beyond is a concern,as is the reported relationship between religious extremists and elements in the Pakistani military,particularly Pakistan8217;s Inter-Services Intelligence,the ISI,8221; said Felice D Gaer,chairperson of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom,advisory body of the American government.

8220;The commission is also concerned about the alleged role of Pakistan8217;s Islamic schools,or madrasas,in providing ideological training to religious extremists and in creating an atmosphere of intolerance in which abuses of religious freedom are more likely to occur,8221; Gaer said at a public hearing on 8216;Pakistan: The Threat of Religious Extremism to Religious Freedom and Security8217;.

She said the impact of religiously based intolerance,extremism and violence is of concern,including harsh restrictions on the equal rights of women to freedom of thought,conscience and religion.

Opposing the recent peace deal between government and the militants in Pakistan8217;s restive northwest region,she said: 8220;The Pakistan government8217;s apparent willingness to accommodate certain violent extremists,as we recently saw in the Swat valley,where they imposed 8211; with government approval 8211; their own particularly harsh interpretation of Sharia or Islamic law,is an ongoing concern.8221;

Gaer said the women have been particularly victimized by the highly abused blasphemy laws,which often result in prolonged detention without charges of and sometimes violence against members of religious minority communities,as well as against some Muslims on account of their religious beliefs. Women have been particularly victimized by these laws.

8220;Official government policies are also of concern,such as the anti-Ahmadi laws,which prevent the Ahmadis from engaging in the full practice of their faith,8221; she said.

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Gaer rued that despite the commission8217;s view that Pakistan has repeatedly,8221;engaged in or tolerated systematic and egregious violations of the universal right of freedom of religion and belief,8221; the State Department has not followed the commission8217;s recommendations.