Pakistan school seeks to root out extremists

Many of the students in this pristine classroom are former Taliban members now focused on learning a different way of life.

At this military run facility in Pakistan's Swat valley, students learn vocational skills that the government hopes they'll use to live a more mainstream life.

Hazrat Gul served two years in jail for allegedly helping the Taliban publicly flog non-believers. While levels of radicalism vary, most here say that the school beats life in prison.

Mohammad Inam saying:

SOUNDBITE: Mohammad Inam, former assistant engineer who allegedly aided the Taliban speaking (Urdu):

"When we were in jail, we suffered severe hardships. Now that we are in this school, the environment is very good. Our teachers work very hard with us. They talk to us about peace, about terrorism and how that is not right. God willing, we will go out and serve our country and our nation."

Officials at Machal de-radicalization center say about 1,000 people have graduated since the program began two years ago, and that only 10 percent were not cleared for release.

They do acknowledge that even with a less radical mindset and more marketable skills, graduates face an uncertain future due to the economy.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.