What happened: Due to the recent outburst on the apparent ‘banning’ of human figures in biology textbooks, the Ministry of Education has released statements claiming that it was “factually inaccurate”.
'Mullahs are supervising biology books. Imran Khan govt has put Pakistan in reverse gear'
Strong words of wisdom from noted Pakistani public intellectual and physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy…https://t.co/lfBtSTh2Hg
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 20, 2021
Background: Implementation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Single National Curriculum has started in Islamabad’s schools and for student. The SNC Committee has appointed Religious clerics as members to supervise the content of schoolbooks in all subjects. As a result, last week, there was an outburst on Twitter as the following claims floated the web:
- The Ulema Board outlawed all human figures in biology textbooks of the SNC based on spreading obscenity among the youth.
- Qaris from madrassahs would be appointed to teach the holy Quran in all schools, public and private.
- The SNC discriminates against minorities.
The ministry, however, denied the claims and reported them to be a result of a campaign started against SNC. The ministry clarified: “The SNC has so far only been approved till grade V. Biology is a subject that is taught from Grade 9 and no textbooks for biology have so far been finalised. The federal government’s approval process for science textbooks does not involve any consultation with the Muttahida Ulema Board and so any claim that the board has prohibited the inclusion of any diagrams or educational material from the biology textbooks is factually inaccurate.” The statement also added, “it is, however, true that Punjab Assembly has approved a law whereby an ulema board approves all Islamic content in the curriculum. Punjab government has informed the federal ministry that no change was made in the biology textbooks by the said board. ” Furthermore, the ministry said that the science books are being developed by distinguished experts and will be approved for publishing after meeting the required global standards. Moreover, the ministry also denied the assertion of appointment of a Quran teacher in public and private schools.“ No such order has been made by the government at any level. The teaching of Qirat to Muslim students is a part of the Islamiat curriculum and is mandatory to foster their religious learning. This instruction can be provided by the existing Islamiat or religious studies teachers or the school can hire anyone they deem fit.” The statement further added, “The SNC has also taken special care to ensure that there is no material in it that offends the sensibilities of any of the minorities in Pakistan. In fact, it is for the first time that a separate special curriculum has been prepared for Hindus, Christians, Bahais, Sikhs and Kalaash. Ministry’s entire attempt has been to ensure that the curriculum is not only reflective of all Pakistanis but promotes tolerance, peace and brotherhood among all communities in the country.” Click here to see more from ProperGaanda.