Are you smarter than a 9th grade textbook?

The Punjab Textbook Board (PTB) has skipped the names of two martyrs from the list of achievers of the highest military award, Nishan-e-Haider, in the latest edition of the English textbook for grade nine students.

The PTB has omitted the names of Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz Shaheed and Sawar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed.

Educational circles, terming it a conspiracy, demanded stern action against the elements responsible after conducting an independent enquiry into the matter. They also demanded the cancellation of the current books and the reprinting of a revised edition, adding that all the expenses should be generated from those responsible for the omission.

District Education Officer Chaudhry Ilyas said the matter was not in his knowledge, neither had he received any complaint in this regard. He said the department would bring the matter to the government’s notice.

Servicemen Society former office-bearer Colonel (r) Inamur Rehman said the martyrs of the Pakistan Army were a national asset and demanded an immediate action against the officials responsible for the negligence.

Punjab Teachers Union Chairman Dr Chaudhry Sagheer Alam termed the omission as an injustice to the national heroes, adding that the government should take notice of the matter otherwise a protest movement would be started.