ISLAMABAD: One of the purposes of education is character building which is missing in Pakistan’s educational discourse.

This was stated in a report titled ‘Promoting Inclusive and Tolerant Educational Narratives’ prepared by Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS).

According to the report, education had been a factor in ideological radicalisation and extremism in Pakistani society. The challenges identified in the report are discriminatory curriculum.

“There is negative impression of non-Muslims, the role of non-Muslims is not mentioned in the Pakistan movement though Punjab was included in Pakistan through the vote of a Christian S.P. Singha,” it said.

Curriculum designers and textbook writers are not properly trained and sensitised on issues such as religious harmony.

The report says the place for pluralism and diversity has been shrinking.

It also discussed the failture of the state in providing minorities a sense of equal citizenship and security.

“The world is not impressed by Pakistan’s dealing with religious minorities,” the report stated.

The religious minorities consider themselves as second rated citizens and even their children feel discriminated against in classrooms.

The report recommended promotion of dialogue among madressahs, sectarian groups and minority communities. The state should protect minorities, the report added.

It recommended that a balanced curriculum should be introduced, which should have books on different faiths and sects.

“There is need to strengthen the element of research and inquiry in educational curriculum.”

Women education and their role in the society should be promoted, the report said, adding that Madressah educational boards should eliminate all hate materials from their curricula.

Questions regarding social and religious harmony should be made part of teachers’ selection and examination system.

Media should not highlight the events which promotes disharmony, the report added.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.