Educationists call for making fundamental rights, constitutional democratic process part of curriculum
Speakers at a conference titled “Critical Conversations for our Democratic Future” on Monday called for inclusion of Constitution in the regular curriculum as well as extra-curricular activities at all levels of education to deepen the understanding of the merits of constitutional democracy and pluralism.
Speakers including vice chancellors of public sector universities suggested that the curriculum of Pakistan Studies should be revised and topics related to fundamental rights and voter education included to strengthen the knowledge-base of the students and enhance critical appreciation of modes of accountability within the constitutional process.
Centre for Civic Education Pakistan (CCEP) Executive Director Zafarullah Khan told the audience that in spite of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s directives in October 2014 and two verdicts of the high courts, topics related to fundamental rights and constitutionalism could not be made part of formal curriculum.
Khan said that the democracy could only flourish through deliberations, debates and discussions among citizens. He said continuous conversation on core and critical issues would enrich the nation’s democratic evolution by bringing the public and the republic on the same page for common democratic future.
Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairman Prof. Dr Nizamuddin said the commission was committed to promoting civic education in the higher education institutions in Punjab. Terming 18th constitutional amendment a landmark step in the constitutional history, he urged the universities’ authorities to encourage debate on constitutional issues through seminars and conferences besides holding short courses, workshops and speech competitions. He announced that courses on civic education would be part of PHEC faculty training programs for the faculty members in universities and colleges across the province.
Government College University (GCU) Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr Hassan Amir Shah, University of Education VC Dr Rauf-e-Azam, former Fatima Jinnah University Rawalpindi VC Prof. Dr Najma Najum and National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) member Chaudhry Mohammed Shafiq also shared their views.
During the session on framework for fundamental rights and role of National Commission for Human Rights, Punjab Government’s Human Rights Secretary Bushra Aman, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) members Hussain Naqi, Kishwar Shaheen Awan, Ishaq Masih Naz, and Chaudhry Mohammed Shafiq also spoke on the occasion.