Study: Media Overstate Madrassa Enrollment

A World Bank-sponsored study has found that enrollment figures in Pakistani madrassas, or Islamic schools, have been exaggerated by the media and the U.S. commission report on the Sept. 11 attacks. Critics say the madrassas are used by militants to promote extremism.

The working paper published this month on the World Bank Research website said international newspapers’ reports that 10% of students are enrolled in madrassas were incorrect. It also said the 9/11 report was wrong to say “millions” of families send their children to the schools. The study says less than 1% of students attend madrassas.