Madrassas in Pakistan have developed a nasty reputation for being nests of extremism, breeding Taliban support and recruiting jihadists. They provide a much-needed service to the poorest part of society though. Most of madrassas are just religious schools where ordinary Muslims get a few years of religious education. They also provide free secular education to poor children. Girl’s madrassas even indirectly promote emancipation by giving women access to education and thus a chance for a job and financial independence. (More) ...