Formulation of the single national curriculum (SNC) is a historic initiative; introduced to eliminate Pakistan’s long-standing class-based education system; according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education in response.
Single national curriculum (SNC):
A campaign against the SNC has been started that is spreading false information like; “an Ulema Board has decreed that all human figures; in biology textbooks of the SNC be covered; with appropriate clothes to protect their modesty. 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.”
Science textbooks:
Moreover, Science textbooks are being developed; with renowned local and international experts. The statement further said adding: “It is, however, true that Punjab Assembly has approved a law whereby an ulema board approves all Islamic content in the curriculum.
Quran teacher:
Furthermore, The statement said that appointment of a Quran teacher; in public and private schools; was not ordered. Moreover, 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.
Moreover, “The SNC is a historic initiative; introduced to eliminate class-based education system; create equal educational standards for all the students of Pakistan; regardless of race; class, gender, and any other arbitrary marker. Furthermore, Adding Islamic content in the curriculum is strictly according to an act of parliament enacted in 2017; called The Compulsory Teaching of Holy Quran Act 2017 and is mandatory on all federal institutions.
Proud to be a part of Sindh curriculum council . The biggest problem is the translation of curriculum into syllabus/text books of sindh text book board or any text book boards of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/1C2awgHhje
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) March 16, 2020
Secondly, “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. Lastly, it is for the first time that a separate special curriculum has been prepared for Hindus; Christians, Bahais, Sikhs, and Kalash. 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,” the statement said.