Some of the content in religious studies’ textbooks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is overemphasised in a way that can undermine social peace and incite violence.
These contents, inserted into the textbooks in the context of the Afghan jihad, are not in sync with the current realities socio-political realities because of their controversial, discriminatory and gender insensitive nature.
These findings are part of a review of textbooks that are being taught in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and which were shared with major stakeholders and the media at a seminar in Peshawar on Wednesday.
The review for books for grade 1 to grade 10 was carried out by subject specialists under the aegis of Peace Education and Development (PEAD), a training and advocacy organisation.
Presented in the presence of concerned government officials, academicians and civil society representatives, PEAD foundation Executive Director Sameena Imtiaz said some of the themes in the text books overemphasis certain tenets of religion while discussing politics, history, literature and linguistic studies. This, she said, is detrimental to the growth of an enlightened, tolerant and inclusive mindset.
On the occasion, Farid Khattak, deputy director education sector reform unit E&SE, KP agreed that the curriculum needed to be reviewed in view of the grave challenges that the society faces today. There are shortcomings and gaps in our curricula that need to be improved. He lauded PEAD for doing a job that is usually considered that of the government. We have to seek opinions and suggestion of educationists, clerics, and representatives of civil society for unbiased and inclusive curricula.
ESRU KP Deputy Director Coordination Hamid Naveed lauded PEAD for the review and underlined the need that representatives of various ethnic groups, social groups and even students should also have included in the review process. Naveed promised that the government would ensure continuation of education reforms as therein lay the salvation of the people and that was the only way for creating an enlightened and democratic society.
Earlier, Samina Imtiaz explained that the review took about eight months curricula because the PEAD feels that the curricula should be freed of hatred against other religions, communities and gender bases biases. Our education system should promote positive things to change our ethical and moral behaviors, something that developed countries have always treated on a priority basis. PEAD would appreciate the provincial authorities if they could consult its Review Report during the ongoing curricula reform process. We want to forward our suggestions and opinions to government in the larger interest of the future generations of the province.
Professor Khurshid Anwar and other speakers were of the view that changing minds was a collective responsibility of the society, not of the government alone. Curriculum being taught in schools and colleges was not in line with the country’s current situation. They pointed out that hate or discriminatory materials were not restricted to school textbooks only and that even certain university courses contained materials that could be categorized as elements promoting hate, discrimination and a narrow vision of religion.
