CURRICULUM CONTROVERSY

By Sohail Ahmed (2006) From a couple of years changes in curriculum have become a controversial issue in Pakistan. Before addressing this issue I would like to present some facts: - By constitution Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. - Pakistan is an ideological state, and it was established on Two Nation Theory. Where as the changes in curriculum are being seen in the context of post 9/11 scenario, and some Pakistani intellectuals are also in favor of secular education. Their argument is that:
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Religious education hurt the minorities, they feel inferior. Knowledge has no religion (Islamic./Non-Islamic edu. are bad terms) Europe only made progress after separating the religion from daily life. Religious education is an extra burden on students and the so-called process of Islamization has confused the simple concept.

On the other hand some peoples are in favor of religious education, they dont only defend the religious education, but they demand more. They view that the Pakistan was established on the Ideology of Islam and Islam is not just a religion, its a complete code of life so therefore life and religion can not be separated in Pakistan. They oppose the idea of secular education. According to them, through this education Pakistan will loose its identity and our coming generations will become faithless and non-practicing like Europeans. As we know Islam is not against any kind of knowledge many hadith are in favor of acquiring knowledge and education (get knowledge, where you found it, seek knowledge, even if it be in china.) and it is also fact that near 750 verses 1/9 part of Quran about natural phenomena and the exploration of universe. Every one is in favor of curriculum revision but the changes should be made according to the modern requirements and not at the cost of national harmony. More ever about this controversy I want to add that curriculum revision in this fashion will effect the ongoing efforts to bridge up the gap of school and Madarsa system.