IF Goodbye Mr Chips after four to five decades of teaching is finally under discussion, I think it is right time to review a few more subjects.

One ex-president of Pakistan made Islamiat and Pakistan studies compulsory subjects up to intermediate level. But as a teacher, I have seldom found any practical outcome in students’ lives. Seldom do teachers teach with innovation and we all are pulling along with these subjects lest we are labelled un-Islamic. Resultantly, we see young doctors, teachers, lawyers and students agitating on roads for their professed rights.

I suggest replacing Islamiat by basic Arabic grammar/ holy Quran comprehension subjects. The same Islamiat faculty may be utilised to teach this subject. The most important thing is that we design this purely from a language learning point of view, seeking the help of Arab countries or institutes like International Islamic University or NUML.

I believe letting people learn Quran will release masses from the grip of sectarian mullahs.

As for the Ikhlaqiyat (morality), chapters may be included in Urdu textbooks where it may serve both ends — that is teaching Urdu language through the contents of Islam.

Pakistan studies should be continued but there must be innovation and improved methodology.

Syed Farhan Basit
Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2019