THE need to reform the curriculum in Pakistan — particularly to purge it of biases and material that promote hatred — is one that has been highlighted by various quarters. This need becomes all the more acute when the radicalisation of society continues at a frighteningly quick pace, when, for example, students who have studied at institutes of higher learning take the path of militancy and vigilantism. As experts at a conference in Lahore highlighted on Friday, the education system should be free of ethnic, religious and social discrimination. Pointing to a key need of the times, they said that students’ mindsets must be broadened. Considering the promotion of jihadi ideology in the Zia era, and its deadly by-products — namely a rapid radicalisation of society — these suggestions are not without merit. And while those who have studied in madressahs are usually blamed for spreading extremism, the curriculum taught at public and private schools also has a part to play in promoting obscurantism.

While steps have been taken to add more inclusive topics to the curriculum — for example, the Quaid’s famous Aug 11 speech —experts note that our textbooks are still not entirely free of bias. Education must not be reduced to making pupils regurgitate narrow ideological shibboleths; instead, textbooks must impart lessons that awaken the spirit of inquiry within young ones and help give them a more progressive perspective. Religions, sects, ethnic groups and nationalities must not be demonised and history must not be twisted. Instead of focusing on narrow interpretations, religious studies should focus on compassion and brotherhood. It is not an easy task to undo decades of indoctrination through the curriculum; however, the provinces, under the jurisdiction granted to them by the 18th Amendment, can take the lead by reviewing their textbooks and removing material that promotes hatred and obscurantism. Instead of brainwashing our youth with doubtful notions, the education system needs to equip them with the tools necessary to compete in the world of tomorrow.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2019