Expressing satisfaction over the performance of the Education Ministry in implementing the single national curriculum (SNC) so far, Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued instructions for necessary changes in the curriculum.
Punjab became the first to implement the SNC in madressahs and from grades one to five in both public and private schools within its jurisdiction. Aside from Sindh, which has refused to adopt it citing the 18th Amendment according to which education is a provincial subject, the other provinces and the ICT also plan to introduce it as soon as possible.
The SNC, besides covering other aspects, also emphasised character building of students, promoting tolerance, nationalism, civic responsibilities etc. Under the SNC, Muslim students will be taught Nazra as a compulsory subject while they will also be taught about the life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
One thing is certain, this may be the most revolutionary step taken in the education arena since Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nationalisation of schools and colleges in 1972. The PTI had long been advocating for a uniform education system across the country, under broad-based education reforms, meant to do away with a class-based society and tackle long-running economic disparities.
There is no doubt about the intention of the government. However, unfortunately, Pakistan’s educational problems are far too complex and the SNC is unlikely to address the more important aspects of it.
The aim of uniform curriculum is to provide equal quality education to every child but it should also be remembered that curriculum belongs to many generations; any changes require a broad consultation and constant reflection. The federal government should pay attention to the concerns of provinces regarding the curriculum and should consider necessary changes.
