INTRODUCTION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF PAKISTAN MINORITIES TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION(PMTA)

INTRODUCTION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF PAKISTAN MINORITIES TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION(PMTA)

By: Professor Anjum James Paul
Chairman and Founder

Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA) was established on August 28, 2005 by Professor Anjum James Paul. PMTA is constantly struggling with a dream to make Pakistan a role model state where people of religious minorities will one day live as a part of Pakistani nation and where they will not be judged by their faiths but by the content of equality. PMTA feels pleasure to share with you its role and achievements and expects more positive changes in the near future. Though it is a way to Calvary but we know that way to Calvary is a way to victory.
There is a brief detail of the role and achievements of PMTA below;
ACHIEVEMENTS
1. For the first time in the history of Pakistan curriculum in the subject of Ethics (Compulsory) has been developed for the students of religious minorities of Pakistan.
2. Textbooks are also being written from class III-XII in the subject of Ethics (Compulsory)
3. Islamyat is compulsory subject for the Muslim student only which was compulsory for all the students before but was optional from class X –XII only for the students of minorities.
4. The subject of Arabic is no more a compulsory subject but an optional one. This was a compulsory subject for all the students from class I-VIII for the students belonging to all religions.
5. Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan admitted in a letter to PMTA that there are biases in the present textbooks and ensured that there are no biases in future books.
6. For the first time students of religious minorities have appeared in the subject of Ethics class 5 and class 8 examinations held in 2008 and then 2009.
7. Academic staff from the religious minorities has been somehow invited to set the paper of Civics (for non-Muslims). Prof. Anjum James Paul has set the paper of Civics (for non-Muslims) for the Intermediate Part One the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Faisalabad in the year 2007-09
8. The word “Masih”, “Masihi” or “Masihyiat” is being used now in most of the electronic and print media instead of “Esa”, “Esai” or “Esayiat” for Jesus Christ, Christian/s or Christianity.
9. Biased message of the President of Pakistan General (R) Pervez Musharraf has been totally removed from all the textbooks in which he had invited the attention of only Muslim students to acquire knowledge as he said, “The progress and development of a country depends on the quality of education of its people. It is a historical fact that the Muslims ruled the world for hundred of years on the basis of the knowledge acquired by their intellectuals, philosophers and scientists .The books written by them were of such a high standard that they served as reference books in the western universities for centuries. As long as the Muslims acted upon the Hadith, "to acquire knowledge is the duty of each Muslim male and female.” they ruled the world. Reference English Step 5, Code No. XLIV/AD, Edition Ist, Impression 19th.This message was on each and every textbook.
10. Biased part of the appeal of the Chairman Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore has been deleted “Punjab Textbook Board is your own organization and has the mandate of providing high quality but less expensive books, with the approval of Federal Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan in accordance with national curricula. These books project Islamic values, defend ideological boundaries of the country and help acquaintance with other fields of life.” Reference. English Step 5, Code No. XLIV/AD, Edition Ist, Impression 19th. This appeal is published on each and every book published by the Textbook Board, Lahore.
11. Process of the denationalization of Missionary educational institutions which were nationalized during the regime of late Prime Minister Zulifqar Ali Bhutto is rapid now.
12. On request of PMTA, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad relaxed a one day off to the Christian students in the MA/ M.Ed workshop throughout Pakistan on the Easter Day on April, 12, 2009.
13. Topics on human rights, peace, tolerance, co-existence, forgiveness, patience, service to humanity and a very little on minorities have been added in the forthcoming textbooks.
14. According to the National Educational Policy 2009, provisions shall be made for teaching of the subject of Ethics/ Moral Education in lieu of Islamiyat to non-Muslim children and subject specific teachers shall be appointed according to the requirements.

PUBLICATION OF A WHITE PAPER ON EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN
In September 2007 a White Paper on Education in Pakistan was published. This is a document to debate religious bias, general standard of textbooks and education policies in Pakistan. There is research on 52 textbooks in the subjects of Civics, English, Ethics, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Social Studies and Urdu from grade I-XII.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PAKISTAN MINORITIES TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PAKISTAN MINORITIES TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

1. Letter to Chairman Punjab Textbook Board Lahore Dated December 12,2005, Subject: Corrections and suggestions in the Intermediate English Book I and III ,edition 2005 Copy to (i) Director (Technical) Punjab Textbook Board Lahore (ii) Director (Humanities) Punjab Textbook Board Lahore (iii) Secretary, Punjab Textbook Board Lahore
2. Letter to Secretary Education, Government of the Punjab, Lahore Dated March 14,2006 Subject: Change in the proforma of (College Management Information System (CMIS) Copy to: Programme Director, PMIU, Punjab Education Sector Reforms Programme ,Lahore
3. Letter to President of Pakistan, Dated May 02, 2006, Subject: Representation of educationists from the religious minorities in the curriculum committee constituted to revise syllabus 2006 Copy to (i) Prime Minister of Pakistan, Islamabad, (ii) Federal Minister of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (iii) State Minister of Minorities Affairs, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. (iv) Federal Secretary of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (v) Members of the Parliament (Minorities) of Pakistan. Islamabad.
4. Letter to Chairman Punjab Textbook Board Lahore Dated May 17,2006, Subject: Corrections, updates and suggestions in the Intermediate Civics Book Part I and Part II ,edition 2006 Copy to (i) Director (Technical) Punjab Textbook Board Lahore (ii) Director (Humanities) Punjab Textbook Board Lahore (iii) Secretary, Punjab Textbook Board Lahore
5. Letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan, dated June 14, 2006 Subject: Substitute syllabus for the minorities’ students. Copy to: Federal Minister of Education , Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
6. Letter to Chief Minister Punjab, Dated October 10,2006 Subject: Unavailability of Ethics and Civics compulsory books Copy to : (i) Secretary Education Government of the Punjab, Lahore , (ii) Chairman Punjab Textbook Board Lahore
7. Letter to Federal Minister for Education, Dated January 26,2007 Subject: Education Policy /Curriculum Reforms Copy to (i) Federal Secretary of Education , Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (ii) Members of the Parliament (Minorities) of Pakistan. Islamabad.
8. Letter to Governor Punjab , Dated February 27,2007 Subject: Request for rescheduling BA/B.Sc Annual Examination 2007 dated April 06,2007 due to Good Friday Copy to: Vice Chancellor ,University of the Punjab Lahore
9. Letter to Joint Educational Advisor, Ministry of Education ,Curriculum Wing Islamabad, Dated March 19,2007, Subject: Comments on Education Policy/Curriculum Reforms
10. Letter to Federal Minister for Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad Dated, August 31, 2007 Subject: Notification for the subject of Ethics for the students of Minorities in the educational institutions.
11. Letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan, Dated November 11,2007 Subject: Education Reforms in Pakistan Copy to (i) Federal Minister for Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (ii) Federal Minister for Human Rights , Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (iii) Federal Minister for Law and Justice , Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, (iv) Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad,
12. Letter to Education Minister , Government of the Punjab, Lahore , Dated November 11,2007 Subject: Education Reforms in Pakistan
13. Letter to Federal Minister for Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Dated February 01, 2008 Subject: Request for providing the list and addresses of the consultants from the minorities and of the notified curriculum in the various subjects. Copy to: Joint Educational Advisor, Ministry of Education ,Curriculum Wing Islamabad
14. Letter to Federal Minister for Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Dated February 01, 2008 Subject: Recommendation for curriculum
15. Letter to Chief Minister Punjab, Dated October 30,2008 Subject: Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th class Copy to : (I) Minister of Education , Government of the Punjab, Lahore, (ii) Minister of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs , Government of the Punjab, Lahore,(iii) Secretary of Education , Government of the Punjab, Lahore,
16. Letter to Chairman Punjab Textbook Board Lahore Dated October 31,2008, Subject: Correction of textbooks
17. Letter to President of Pakistan, Dated November 20,2008 Subject: Respect for religions in the textbooks of Pakistan Copy to (i) Federal Minister of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (ii) Federal Minister of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad,(iii) Federal Minister of Minorities Affairs, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, ( iv)Federal Secretary of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
18. Letter to Director Curriculum, Punjab Textbook Board Lahore, Dated November 21,2008 Subject: Recommendations and report on the White Paper Copy to: (i) Federal Minister of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad (ii) Minister of Education , Government of the Punjab, Lahore, (iii) Minister of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs , Government of the Punjab, Lahore,(iv) Secretary of Education , Government of the Punjab, Lahore, (v) Chairman, Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore
19. Letter to Federal Minister of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad Dated December 12,2008 Subject: Respect for religions in the textbooks of Pakistan Copy to (i) Federal Minister of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad ( ii)Federal Secretary of Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
20. Letter to Governor Punjab, Dated January 27,2009 Subject: Request to postpone the 5th class examination commencing from February 03,2009 due to the unavailibilty of the syllabus of Ethics.
21. Letter to Federal Minister for Education, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Dated March 06, 2009 Subject: Reservations on National Education Policy 2009. Copy to: (i) President of Pakistan, President’s House (ii) Prime Minister of Pakistan, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad (iii) Federal Minister for Human Rights, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad (iv) Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad (v) Federal Secretary Education, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad
22. Letter to Vice Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Dated April 02, 2009 Subject: Request for rescheduling of MA/ M.Ed Workshops Copy to (i) Federal Minister for Education, GOP, Islamabad (ii) Federal Minister for Human Rights, GOP, Islamabad (iii) Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, GOP, Islamabad
23. Letter to the Minister of Education, Dated July 10, 2009 Subject: Qirat and minorities’ educators Copy to (i) Chief Minister of Education , Government of the Punjab, Lahore, (ii) Minister of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs , Government of the Punjab, Lahore,(iii) Secretary of Education(Schools) , Government of the Punjab, Lahore,

Feedback to Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association

Feedback to Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association

1. Letter to Anjum James Paul from Secretary Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore, No. 114-C.C, Dated February 04, 2006, Subject: Corrections and suggestions in the Intermediate English Book-I and Book III, Edition 2005
2. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Mr. Fakhar Cheema, Deputy Secretary (VIII), No. DS(VIII) CMS/07/OT-47/160076, Dated February 06,2007, Subject: Unavailability of Ethics and Civics compulsory books Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Punjab,
3. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Mr. Javed Hasan Aly , Team Leader, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Education, Policy and Planning Wing, National Education Policy Review Team, Islamabad ,Dated February 10,2007, Subject: Feedback on the White Paper on Education in Pakistan
4. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Mr. S. Tajammal Hussain Shah, Assistant Educational Advisor, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Education, (Curriculum Wing), Islamabad, Dated The 26th February, 2007, No. F.3-17/2007-IE, Subject: Comments on Education Policy/ Curriculum Reforms
5. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Mr. S. Tajammal Hussain Shah, Assistant Educational Advisor, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Education, (Curriculum Wing), Islamabad, Dated September 19, 2007, No. F.3-17/2007-IE, Subject: Notification for the subject of Ethics for the students of Minorities in the educational institutions.
6. Letter to Chairman PMTA Prof. Anjum James Paul from Mr. Muhammad Hussain, Director (A-I), President’s Secretariat (Public), President’s House, Islamabad , Dated 23rd October,2008, Control No.21486/2008/P-III
7. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Mr. Kamran Michael, Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Punjab, Dated 04th November, 2008 No. PS/MIN/HR&M/496/2008, Subject: Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th class
8. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Section Officer (S-VII) Government of the Punjab, School Education Department, Lahore with the comments of Director(C.W.), Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore Dated December 17,2008 No.SO(S-VII) 1-9/2007 Subject: Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th class
9. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Schools Education Department Section (ER) Dated December 20, 2008 No. SO(ER)9-11/2008, Subject: Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th class
10. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan Dated November 27, 2008 F.No.13 (27)/2008-LA, Subject: Respect for religions in the textbooks of Pakistan.
11. Letter to Chairman PMTA from Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan Dated March 12, 2009 No F.3-17/2008-IE, Subject: Respect for religions in the textbooks of Pakistan.

RESERVATIONS ON EDUCATION POLICY 2009

RESERVATIONS ON THE NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2009

By:PROF.ANJUM JAMES PAUL
CHAIRMAN,PMTA

Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association has strong reservations on the draft of the National Education Policy 2009 as this Policy violates article 25 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan which describes” All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.” PMTA feels sorry to say that there is contradiction in the policy and voice of the minorities and moderate Pakistanis has been totally ignored. This policy cannot work properly as there is contradiction in the various articles of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973.PMTA requests the concerned corners that the educational policy must be shaped keeping in mind the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that he presented in the First Educational Conference held in Karachi in November 1947,Article 20, 22 and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan, Article 1 and 26 of UHDR, Article 18, 26 and 27 of ICCPR , Article 2 and 14 of ICRC and the UNESCO recommendations.
PMTA would like to draw your kind attention on some the paragraphs of this policy.
1. 20 It is common knowledge, as well as a proven outcome of many studies that discrimination exists in the education system in various forms.
2. 45 Traditions, culture and faith all reflect upon the education system while at the same time get affected by it.
3. 47. Cultural values of the majority of Pakistanis are derived from Islam. An education system reflects and strengthens social, cultural and moral values. Pakistan’s educational interventions have to be based on the core values of faith.
4. 48. The National Education Policy recognizes the importance of Islamic values and adheres to the agreed principles in this regard. All policy interventions shall fall within the parameters identified in the Principles of Policy as laid down in Articles 29, 30, 33, 36, 37 and 40 of Constitution of Pakistan 1973. These include the need for Muslim children to be provided instructions in Islamiyat to enable them to develop themselves as good Muslims. Similarly, minorities should be provided with facilities to get education of their own religion
5. 82 There is also an unresolved and continuing debate on how and what religious and moral values to be taught through the educational system and how to accommodate non-Muslim minorities.
6. 89 The Planning Commission’s ‘Vision 2030’ also argues for such change of the mindset, which commits to a new set of societal goals. The Ministry of Education has adopted following vision:
“Education is a categorical imperative for individual, social and national development that should enable all individuals to reach their maximum human potential. The system should produce responsible, enlightened citizens to integrate Pakistan in the global framework of human centered economic development.”
7. The plans shall also promote equity in education with the aim of eliminating social exclusion and promoting national cohesion. Greater opportunities shall be provided to marginalised groups of society, particularly girls. (P 20 Policy Actions No.3)
8. Curriculum shall emphasize the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of Pakistan, so that each individual shall develop within himself/herself and the society at large, a civic culture strong enough to withstand any extra constitutional interference which threatens those rights. (P 39 Policy Actions No.3)
PMTA is unable to understand why the policy makers have ignored article 25 (1) which is in the chapter of the Fundamental Rights and Article 31(2) that contradicts Article 25(1) that describes “The state shall endeavour, as respects the Muslims of Pakistan: to make the teaching of the Holy Quran and Islamiat compulsory, to encourage and facilitate the learning of Arabic language and to secure correct and exact printing and publishing of the Holy Quran;?”
Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan has failed to facilitate the minorities as they have been ignored to get education of their own religions. The textbooks in the subject of Ethics from grade I-XII are being written by the biased Muslims writers violating the teachings of the minority religions of Pakistan. This contradicts the policy action 3 on page 39 of the draft. PMTA has already brought into the kind notice of the Ministry of Education and the esteemed offices of the government of Pakistan but no attention has been paid which is a clear indication of discrimination against minorities. Takveen Anjum a student of class 5 could not appear in the subject of Ethics on February 4, 2009 as she was unable to receive the syllabus of Ethics from any corner of the government of the Punjab. PMTA does not know about her fate due to the negligence of the concerned corners of the department of education. PMTA also tried a lot to receive the syllabus of Ethics for class 5 and 8 but failed. According to para 82 non-Muslim minorities have not been accommodated. The same way para 47 and 48 totally goes in favour of the majority religion of Pakistan that contradicts the article 25(1). Article 38 (d) speaks of instilling moral values and of providing education to all citizens irrespective of gender, caste, creed, or race but it has been observed that the moral values of a particular religion are promoted through the textbooks and educational institutions. PMTA published a White Paper on education in Pakistan in 2007. Copies of the White Paper were mailed to the Federal Ministry of Education and the esteemed
offices. This is a document to debate religious bias, general standard of textbooks and educational policies of Pakistan. It is sorry to say that there is not much difference in this education policy which is not a healthy sign.
National unity, integration, interreligious harmony, social harmony, human rights, peace, and culture of tolerance can only flourish when we have a value based curriculum which is the utmost need of Pakistan at this time of crisis on national and international level. There must be removal of all sorts of bias against any religion, civilization or culture from Pakistani textbooks and educational institutions. Ministry of Education can heal Pakistan adopting the composite heritage of this nation. Let us all be united in diversity for the sake of this sacred land.

Role of textbooks in promoting social and interreligious harmony

ROLE OF TEXTBOOKS IN PROMOTING SOCIAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS HARMONY

Written by: Professor Anjum James Paul
Chairman: Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association

The Founder of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947 said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State………Now I think we should keep that in front of us as our ideal and you will find that in course of time Hindus would cease to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the State. “
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia in his address to the participants of the Interfaith Conference organized by the United Nations Organization in New York on November 12, 2008 said,” We should step forward to make relations. Existence of all religions will have to admit because it is necessary for peace in the world. We should respect the religion of everyone. All religions give the lesson of peace.”
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan in his address to the participants of the Interfaith Conference on November 13, 2008 said, “To maintain global harmony, politics and policies based on hatred will have to be changed.”
The Quaid -i- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who was much concerned about the education of Pakistani nation. In his message to the first Educational Conference in November 1947 he said, “If we are to make real, speedy and substantial progress, we must bring our educational policy and programme on the lines suited to the genius of our people, consonant with our history and culture having regard to the modern conditions and vast developments that have taken place all over the world. The future of our state will and must accordingly depend upon the type of education we give to our children, and the way in which we bring them up as future citizens of Pakistan. We should try, by sound education, to instill into them up the high sense of honour, integrity, responsibility and selfless service to the nation. There is an immediate and urgent need for giving scientific and technical education to our people in order to build up our future economic life and to see that our people take the science, commerce, trade and particularly well planned industries. We should not forget that we have to compete with the world which is moving very fast in this direction.”
If we deeply evaluate the past 61 years of Pakistan, I am sorry to say that we have violated the above mentioned ideology of the founder of Pakistan. There cannot be change in the attitudes until there is formulation of education policy according to the national needs. Politics and education is still on the Ad hoc basis in Pakistan. Negative impacts of politics have affected education field as well. Our education field has failed to create national integrity and social harmony. Our education policies have produced extremists, warriors and suicide bombers instead of intellectuals and scientists. This is all the result of the biased education policies .Teachings on hatred, bias, sectarianism; religious intolerance and extremism have been placed in the textbooks. We can practically observe that the students become intolerant, extremists, prejudiced and biased against humanity in general after reading these textbooks.
There is promotion of a particular ideology and on the other hand bias against other faiths in the Pakistani textbooks. A full detail is in the White Paper prepared by Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association 2007. This is a document to debate religious bias, general standard of textbooks and education policies in Pakistan. There is research on 52 textbooks in the subjects of Civics, English, Ethics, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Social Studies and Urdu from class I-XII. Only in the subject of Urdu language from class I-XII, 235 chapters and poems out 409 consist of a particular ideology through various means in 12 textbooks. So the ratio of preaching a particular through is 57.45%.
There is a bird’s eye view of the bias under the following headings followed by recommendations.
• Preaching of Islam through textbooks
• Dignity of Muslims
• Bias against the other faiths in general
• Bias against Christians
• Bias against Jews
• Bias against Hindus
• Bias against Sikhs
• Bias against Zoroasters
• Bias against other civilizations
• Misunderstanding of terms
• Wrong information
• Recommendations

PREACHING OF ISLAM THROUGH TEXTBOOKS
• “Why did the old lady become a Muslim? Ref. English Step 6,Edition Ist ,Impression 10th ,Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 2, Line 14
• “We, as Muslims should follow the noble example of the tolerance of our Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him).” Ref. English 8,Date of printing January 2006, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 21, Line 9
• “Which is the best book to read and teach?” Note: The answer of this question is the ‘Holy Quran.’ Ref. English 10, Edition Ist, Impression 7th, Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 4, Line 6.
• “Write a letter to any of your non-Muslim friend, conveying the message of Islam.” Ref. Islamic Studies 7,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 21, Line 14
• “You know that Islam is our religion.” Ref. Social Studies 4,Edition Ist , Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 108, Line 2
• “Hindus in Sindh were converting to Islam by their own will to see the good behaviour of Muslims.” Ref. Social Studies 5, Edition 2nd, Impression 13th, Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 118, Line 17
• “Students! Discuss the importance of Islam in the presence of teacher in the class.” Ref. Social Studies 6, Edition Ist ,Impression 9th,Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 82, Line 22
• ”Organize two teams in the class, each team asking questions about our dear Prophet (PBUH).”Ref. Urdu 2, Date of printing January 2005, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 4, Line 15
• “Allah has addressed the Muslims, men of Allah! Be brothers among yourselves. We all Muslims are brothers of one another.” Ref. Urdu 2,Date of printing January 2005, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 32, Line 7
• “Start your every morning reciting the Holy Quran and receive uncountable virtues.” Ref. Urdu 3,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 69, Line 11
• “2. Write any of your favourite naat (poem written in praise of Prophet Muhammad) in your note book taken from any book or magazine.” Ref. Urdu 4,Edition 3rd ,Impression 21, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 22, Line 15
• “As a Muslim it is an obligation of us all to act upon the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Try to adopt the morals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Our worldly and hereafter success lies only in it.” Ref. Urdu 8,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 7, Line 6
• “Write two paragraphs the way Muslims spread Islam.” Ref. Urdu 8,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 125, Line 14
• “We the Muslims have been made the successor of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Now it is our responsibility to introduce the whole world about his sacred personality and kindness.” Ref. Urdu 8,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 215, Line 12
• “We should not take any such step for which we shall have to be shameful before God and his messenger Muhammad (PBUH).” Ref. Urdu 10,Edition 2nd ,Impression 3rd,Code No XLV/AD Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 10, Line 8




DIGNITY OF MUSLIMS
• “Before the advent of Islam not to punish the dishonest and powerful but to punish fragile was common but after the advent of Islam justice was glorified.” Ref. Pakistan Studies 9,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th, Code XLIV/AD, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 13, Line 4
• “How did the Muslim women show their bravery when they were prisoners of war by the Christians?” Ref. Urdu 5,Edition Experimental ,Impression Ist, Code No XLV/AL, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 70, Line 14
• Once a battle was on its peak. Christians and Muslims were busy in showing their bravery. An arrow hit the mare of the Christian commander and that died.” Ref. Urdu 6,Edition 2nd ,Impression 3rd, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 34, Line 19
• “Sultan got back mosques from the occupation of the Christians and gave to Muslims.” Ref. Urdu 6,Edition 2nd,Impression 3rd,Date of printing, February 2005, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 35, Line 19
• “He was a great conqueror of Crusades. He conquered Jerusalem.” Ref. Urdu 6,Edition 2nd ,Impression 3rd, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 36, Line 3

BIAS AGAINST THE OTHER FAITHS IN GENERAL
• “Followers of other religions are often busy in garrulous manners on their festivals. They do not express their relation or devotion with Allah. On the contrary, on one hand these two festivals of Islam provide an opportunity of entertainment and joy to Muslims and on the other hand they become a source to meet one another and to help the needy. Besides this they are a source to have a strong contact and relationship with Allah. That is why Muslims specially arrange for prayer on the day of festival.” Ref. Islamic Studies 5,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 18, Line 4
• “How do the followers of common religions celebrate their festivals?” Ref. Islamic Studies 5,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 20, Line 3
• “Allah sent Prophets for the followers of the previous religions. And there was revelation of His Books on many of them. But the teachings of those Prophets and the Books revealed on them are not safe in original form.” Ref. Islamic Studies 10,Edition 2nd ,Impression 14th,Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 96, Line 12
• “Some previous Books of revelation consist of such discourses which are not only against reality but in many Books there are very much indecent and immoral discourses. (It is evident that these are fake discourses which have been added by someone himself).” Ref. Islamic Studies 11,Edition 2nd ,Impression 16th,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 29, Line 18
• “Before the advent of Islam not to punish the dishonest and powerful but to punish the fragile was common but after the advent of Islam justice was glorified.” Ref. Pakistan Studies 9,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th, Code XLIV/AD, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 13, Line 4
• “Various non-Muslim nations in the world have been against Muslims and have often been cooperating to harm Muslims.” Ref. Social Studies 8,Date of printing ,January 2006 ,Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 126, Line 12
• “And now, no other religion is popular in the eyes of Allah. Whole humanity is destitute to follow the path of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the teachings of the Holy Quran for the welfare of religious and worldly affairs.” Ref. Urdu 4,Edition 3rd ,Impression 21st,Date of printing January 2005, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 60, Line 15
• “Every person must abstain drugs but especially the Muslims.” Ref. Urdu 8,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 128, Line 18

BIAS AGAINST CHRISTIANS
• “They (Muslims) were forced to become Christians.” Ref. Civics 12,Edition 2005 ,Impression 12, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 1, Line 19
• “Christian preachers openly attacked their (Muslims) religion. Priests entered their religious conventions and started preaching Christianity”. Ref. Civics 12,Edition 2005 ,Impression 12, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 2, Line 1
• “So to stop the attacks of the Christian missionaries. Sir Syed saved many children becoming Christians by establishing orphan houses. Sir Syed had seen that time when orphans had been sent to Christian institutions at the time of famine in 1837.” Ref. Civics 12,Edition 2005 ,Impression 12, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 12, Line 17
• “Ummad-ud-Din was martyred by the conspiracy of Christians.” Ref. Social Studies 7, Edition Ist, Impression 34, Code No. XLV/AL, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 17, Line 6
• “On the contrary when 90 years ago Prince Gaudphrey conquered Jerusalem, there was so much execution that the horses of the victorious army slipped from the blood of the Muslims.” Ref. Urdu 6,Edition 2nd ,Impression 3rd, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 35, Line 12
• “Christians changed the shape of Al Aqsa and other mosques after occupation. Christians have always harmed the Muslims. They even executed them.” Ref. Urdu 6,Edition 2nd,Impression 3rd,Date of printing, February 2005, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 35, Line 19
• “Friends, highness is not of colour or race. In the Middle Ages. London and Paris were unknown places. There was filth. People who took bath were lashed by the order of the priests that they have become Muslims and have started taking bath on every Friday.” Ref. Urdu 8, Edition Ist. Impression 23rd, Code No. XLIV/AL, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 181, Line 18




BIAS AGAINST JEWS
• “In a battle Hazrat Ali sat on the chest of a Jew after falling him on the ground. He wanted to behead him off. Jew spat on his face. He at once released the Jew. The Jew asked the reason of his deliverance surprisingly. He said that a Muslim fights for Allah but not for personal revenge. By spitting on my face you tried to create personal revenge in my heart. That is why I released you. Hearing this Jew became a Muslim” Ref. My Book Urdu 3, Edition Ist, Impression 4th, Code No. XLV/AL, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 71, Line 9
• “In 1949 Jews tried to set on fire the Al Aqsa mosque in the occupied Bait-ul- maqdas(Jerusalem).” Ref. Urdu 6,Edition 2nd,Impression 3rd,Date of printing, February 2005, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 109, Line 15

BIAS AGAINST HINDUS
• “Many good girls are deprived of getting married. We have adopted this un- Islamic ritual from Hindus.” Fundamental Civics (For non-Muslim students) Intermediate level, First Impression December 1984, Publisher: Amin Book Depot, Urdu Bazaar, Lahore Page 38, Line 1
• “Pakistan came into existence on the very same day when the first Hindu was converted to Islam.” Ref. Pakistan Studies 9-10,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th,Code No XLIV/AD, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 7, Line 10
• “Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi belonged to the Deoband sect. According to him Hindus were the worst enemies of Muslims.” Ref. Pakistan Studies 9-10,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th,Code No XLIV/AD, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 19, Line 8
• “According to him (Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi) Hindus can never be sympathetic and well wishers of Muslims whether there may be the Day of Judgment. They are more enemies of Muslims and Islam than that of English.” Ref. Urdu 8,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 152, Line 19
• “He knew that the Hindus try to merry ‘Kali Mata’ (Black Mother) flowing the blood of innocent people of other religions. They consider all untouchables except themselves.” Ref. Urdu 8,Edition Ist ,Impression 23rd,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 221, Line 13

BIAS AGAINST SIKHS
• “Sikhs empowered in Punjab and destroyed the peace of Punjab.” Ref. Pakistan Studies 9,Edition 5th ,Impression 5th, Code XLIV/AD, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 10, Line 8
• “Sikhs flourished their influence on weakening the government of Punjab and started looting the big cities of Punjab………At last Sikh ruler Ranjeet Singh established his government in Punjab. Sikhs were cruel with Hindus and Muslims. Sikhs destroyed the worship places, various tombs and particularly the educational institutions of Muslims.” Ref. Social Studies 4,Edition Ist ,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 82, Line 11
• “Sikhs and the rulers of the Sikh states of Punjab helped British through weapons, army and money.” Ref. Social Studies 4,Edition Ist ,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 83, Line 11
• “Ranjeet Singh’s regime was a cruel one for the Muslims and Hindus, Describe in detail.” Ref. Social Studies 4,Edition Ist ,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 87, Line 9
• “In this regard for the achievement of religious freedom in 1826 he started the movement of religious jihad against Sikhs.” Ref. Urdu 12,Edition 5th ,Impression Ist, Date of printing ,August 2006,Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 8, Line 14

BIAS AGAINST ZOARSHTERS
• “This was the day……..when temples of the worshippers were extinguished.” Ref. Urdu 8, Edition Ist, Impression 23rd, Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 213, Line 12

BIAS AGAINST OTHER CIVILIZATIONS
• “English people sent the precious books of Islamic religious institutions to England. English people destroyed the religious institutions of Muslims. They did not want flourishing of Islam.” Ref. Social Studies 6,Edition Ist ,Impression 9th,Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 75, Line 11
• “Being fed of religion, Western mind has excluded religion from its system many centuries ago.” Ref. Urdu 9, Edition Ist ,Impression 7th,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 50, Line 13
• “After that, attacked on another British and slaughtered him too.” Ref. Urdu 9, Edition Ist ,Impression 7th,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 73, Line 15
• “Westerners are expert in spoiling the names of Muslims. They remember Abu- Al -Qasim Zahravi by the names of Abulcasis, Albucasis and Alzaharawius.” Ref. Urdu 11,Experimental Edition Ist ,Impression 5th,Code No XLIV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 24, Line 17

MISUNDERSTANDING OF TERMS
• “Negation of Theocracy. There is no place of theocracy in an Islamic state.” Ref. Civics 11,.Edition Ist ,Impression Ist, Date of impression January 2006, Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 69, Line 17 Note: Where there religion is declared a state religion is called a theocratic state. Most of the Muslim states have declared Islam as the state religion.





WRONG INFORMATION
• “In Hebrew Jacob’s name is Israel that stands for Man of Allah.” Ref. Ethics 11-12, Edition Ist, Month & Year of Publishing July 1999, Publisher: Sindh Textbook Board, Jam Shoroo, Page 54, Line 1 Note: The meaning of Israel is ‘Selected Prince.’
• “Hindus laid the foundation of Congress.” Ref. Social Studies 6, Edition Ist, Impression 9th, Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 94, Line 18
Note Mr. A. O. Hume laid the foundation of Indian National Congress in 1885 who was a British.
• “In the beginning the Quaid- i- Azam joined the Congress Party. Muslim political party Muslim League had not yet established.” Ref. Social Studies 7, Edition Ist, Impression 34, Code No XLV/AL Publisher, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore, Page 29, Line 1
Note: Muslim League was established in 1906 while Quaid- i- Azam joined it after 7 years in 1913.

Email: info.pmta@gmail.com , info@pmtaonline.org
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Column of Zubeida Mustafa on "Gojra and education" giving reference of PMTA

The Daily Dawn
http://www.dawn.com
August 12,2009

Gojra and education
By Zubeida Mustafa

TALKING to a Dawn panel several years ago, Asghar Ali Engineer, head of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, had commented that every communal riot in India that he had investigated was found to be rooted in economic factors.

Invariably the majority community attacking a minority wanted to undermine it to gain an unfair economic advantage. But the whole incident was garbed in communal terms.

We will not know the underlying reasons for the horrendous event in Gojra until the episode is investigated from that point of view. HRCP’s findings confirm that the violence was premeditated as is tradionally the pattern in cases of seemingly mindless killings. But there is usually a method to the madness. That within the span of a few hours seven Christians should have been consumed literally by fires born of communal hatred and 70 or so of their homes burnt down is most telling.

What, however, also emerges from the terrible events in Gojra — and also Sangla Hill in 2005 and Shantinagar in 1997 — is how very easy it is for the perpetrators of such crimes to incite people in the name of religion. Thus they can veil their ulterior motives by making an incident appear as an emotional reaction in the face of a provocation, that could well have been concocted.

It is worrying that popular passions can be inflamed at the drop of a hat. A rational mindset and the ability to reason created by good education can go a long way towards developing interfaith harmony, tolerance and understanding of other religions. The week Gojra happened, this paper carried another report that seemingly had no relevance to the tragedy that followed. But the connection between the two was not lost on those who have observed closely the obscurantist proclivity in our national psyche and its close link with the education we impart to our children.

It was reported that the Pakistan Coalition for Education, a network of civil society organisations and individuals, had expressed its strong disapproval of the government’s failure to expedite the announcement of the new education policy that has been in the works for several years.

A visibly upset Kamleshwer Lohana, PCE’s member from Sindh, had remarked cynically, “The education policy is not a priority for the present government. This policy will be applicable only to the poor people — those who are dependent on government educational institutions.” Since the elite control the government they are not concerned.

This is exactly how Javed Hassan Aly, the author of the 2007 White Paper on education also felt. He added, “The government, presently under clouds of public scrutiny, is shy of tackling what it may consider contentious issues. The elite and the for-profit private sector are happy with the status quo which allows them to entrench themselves more securely.” Why should they want a new policy?

Now it seems the delay had an added reason behind it. A revised policy has now been posted on the ministry of education’s website and is to be presented to the cabinet. Compare the draft rejected by the cabinet earlier and the present document. You will discover a new chapter titled ‘Islamic Education: Duty of the Society and the State’.

The earlier draft had recognised explicitly the need for educational interventions to be based on the core value of Islam as identified by the constitution’s chapter on principles of state policy. Apparently that was not found to be adequate. Four extra pages now spell out in detail the Islamic contents of the prescribed courses when earlier a paragraph had sufficed to capture the Islamic spirit to be injected into education in Pakistan.

The emphasis on religion in the new draft is overly exaggerated. It is a forewarning that we can expect to see more of the earlier approach that has been responsible for creating the mindset that resulted in Gojra. Numerous surveys have confirmed that. In fact, it is now conceded that the curricula and textbooks in the regular school system have caused more pervasive damage than the madressahs have, given the small numbers which attend them.

The policy draft with specific reference to NEP 1998-2010 speaks of an “integrated education system in which Islamic values, principles and objectives are reflected in the syllabuses of all the disciplines in general”. It would be pertinent to recall here that NEP 1998-2010 spoke of evolving “an integrated system of national education by bringing deeni madaris and modern schools closer to each stream in curriculum and the contents of education”. This was to be achieved by introducing Nazira Quran as a compulsory component.

How all this translates into practice for the religious minorities is evident from the eye-opening observations made by Prof Anjum Paul, chairman Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association, on the biases against his community. He analysed 12 Urdu language textbooks for class I-XII, and “found 235 chapters and poems out of 409 having a strong Islamic orientation”.

He identifies the biases and discrimination against the religious minorities of Pakistan in textbooks, educational institutions and admission processes. Take the case of Muslim students being awarded 20 marks for nazra (reciting the Quran by heart). This makes it difficult for the minorities to compete for seats in higher education.

Even the textbooks for ethics (a subject introduced a few years ago in lieu of Islamiat for religious minorities) are written by Muslims who obviously cannot identify with the teachings of other religions resulting in bias against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Zoroastrians and others. This has failed to create social and inter-faith harmony, Prof Paul says. Recently compulsory training courses for teachers in subjects including qirat were announced. The PMTA regards this as discrimination against teachers from minority communities.

We may repeat ad nauseam the Quaid’s proclamation on “religion or caste or creed” having nothing to do with the “business of the state”, but if we continue to have education policies that preach religious hatred, many more Gojras can be expected.

Interview of Professor Anjum James Paul,Chairman & Founder of Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association for ANS

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: http://www.assistnews.net/ -- E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com


Monday, April 30, 2007

“Bias in textbooks is the root cause of religious intolerance” in Pakistan

By Sheraz Khurram Khan
Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service in Pakistan

FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Stating that presence of bias in the curriculum as the root cause of religious intolerance in Pakistan, the Chairman of Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA) has called for elimination of alleged pejorative material from the text books.
Professor Anjum James Paul
The PMTA Chairman, Professor Anjum James Paul, made this statement while talking to ANS by phone on Thursday, April 27.

Paul told ANS that the PMTA was established last year. When asked what made him launch struggle for the rights of minority students and teachers, he said that the experiencing of problems on religious grounds during his student, as well as professional life, prompted him to take this initiative.

Elaborating on the problems, he said he faced a real tough time in 1996 when he taught at the Gojra Government College. He said that the then Principal of the college would discriminate against him on religious grounds.

He revealed that he needed a bodyguard for his own safety. “I had to request a gunman from home department,” he said. In the wake of US invasion of Afghanistan he said the students of Government College in Faisalabad boycotted his classes.

“The line on the dais [from which he spoke] read, ‘Non-Muslim teachers should not teach,” Professor Anjum Paul confided in ANS.

Disclosing yet another difficult phase in his teaching career a couple of years ago, he said he translated a column from English to Urdu written by Professor Rafiullah Shah in which he quoted Imam Abu Hanifa as saying that the practice of renting out houses in Muslim holy city of Makkah Mukarama in Saudi Arabia as well as the concept of Monarchism were un-Islamic. He said the professor also quoted Imam Abu Hanifa as saying that Family Planning was not forbidden in Islam.

“When I made mention of Professor Rafiullah’s article in one of my lectures to Bachelor of Arts Students they protested and refused to attend my class. This kept me from going to college for a week,” he said.

Pointing to the “New Scheme of Studies” by the Curriculum Wing of the Pakistan Ministry of Education, Paul said the subject of Arabic was now offered as an optional subject which, he said, was compulsory for all the students earlier.

He said the PMTA had conveyed its reservations on Education Policy/Curriculum reform by writing a letter to Arif Majeed, the Joint Educational Advisor Government of Pakistan on Feb 26, 2007. ANS obtained the copy of the letter that criticized government for giving the option of additional 20 marks on memorizing the Quran, the Muslim holy book. In the letter PMTA also called for appointment of teachers from religious minorities to teach the subject of Ethics, which under the new Scheme of Studies has been termed as a compulsory subject for non-Muslim students whereas Islamiyat (Islamic Studies) is a compulsory subject for Muslim students.

“A non-Muslim cannot teach Islamiyat (Islamic Studies) in the education sector but them why has government launched a policy to recruit teachers from the minorities at the school, college and university level before the implementation of this policy,” the letter questioned.

“Minority students have to appear in Islamiyat due to the unavailability of books and teachers. Secondly they fear that if they appear in the subject of Ethics then there will be discrimination with them by the examiners,” it said.

The PMTA Chief told this correspondent that he wanted Pakistan to emerge as a progressive and moderate country in line with the vision of founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Referring to the speech of Jinnah in the first constituent assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, Professor Anjum called for teaching of values including equality, love, tolerance, acceptance and harmony in the educational institutions.

He said they believed in “Religion for all or none.” Anjum said every Pakistani student should have the option of studying his respective religion in the academic grooves. He maintained the absence of the same is the contravention of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child signed by Pakistan in 1990.

Religious education according to one’s respective faith is a Right under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child signed by Pakistan (1990), he pointed out. The PMTA brought this grave matter to the notice of Ministry of Education but it did not turn its hair to make provision for offering religious education to students belonging to religious minorities, he informed.

“The students from religious minorities communities are forced to study Islam; values of Islam and Islamic heroes. There is disgracing and degradation of the teachings and values of other religions through propagation mainly in the subjects of social sciences and especially in Urdu and Social/Pakistan Studies,” he said.

“PMTA was expecting a ray of hope but is disappointed to learn that Ministry of education has done nothing but to disappoint religious minorities through this New Scheme of Studies. It is as biased as the previous Education Policies against religious minorities of Pakistan,” he maintained.

Pakistan will violate UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 by implementing such a discriminatory policy, he warned.

“Meri Kitab (My Book) is taught in grade 1. Its first 6 chapters out of 18 are totally based on the teachings of Islam. Kindly keep in mind that this is not the book on Islamic Studies. What impression these Text Book Boards are leaving in the innocent minds and souls of these students of minorities? Four other books are of Civics and Pakistan Studies Grade 11 and 12 .These books have also been updated in general along with recommendations to remove prejudicial matter.

“PMTA is sorry to say that Pakistani Text Book Boards are playing role of cleric in preaching Islam without caring or respecting other religions. Shall someone allow one’s son or daughter to go to educational institution just to learn hatred, prejudice and discrimination for being minority? There are not lessons on harmony, peace, tolerance, human rights and humanity in the curriculum in general. The ultimate result is before us as we see intolerance in the over all society. We harvest what we grow. It is the curriculum that lay the foundation of a nation .Ministry of education is responsible for the construction or destruction of the minds of the people. A new world is possible if possible steps are taken by the curriculum wing to change the fate of the nation. Serial Name of book Grade Edition Updated Pages Total pages of book 1. Meri Kitab (My Book 1 Jan.2005 21 02 40 2. Civics 12 Jun.2005 521 39 293 3. Civics 11 Jan.2006 202 14 279 4. Pakistan Studies 12 Feb.2006 276 31 257 5. Civics 12 Experimental 2006 301 24 118, said the letter the PMTA wrote to Ministry of Education.

Professor Anjum cited various excerpts from the Islamic Studies textbooks to substantiate the element of religious bias in them.

He told ANS that in class 7 Islamic Studies text book line 12 of page number 29 said: “Write a letter to your non-Muslim friend and convey him message of Islam.” He went on to say that the question no 5 of the Exercise says: “Name the unfortunate rulers who remained deprived of blessings of Islam?”

Citing chapter 2 of Islamic Studies book for class 5. entitled as Imaniyat aur Abadat (Faith and Prayers), he said in the section entitled “Eidain” (religious festivals) of the same chapter page 18 line number 4 says: “Generally the other nations remain engaged in rubbish business during their festivals. (In their religions) there is no expression of relationship with God or His worship. Contrary to these two religious festivals of Islam on the one hand provides opportunity to Muslims for recreation and happiness while on the other hand they provide an occasion for fellowship, help and care of the needy.

“Non-Muslim students should have the facility to study their religion. Subjects like Ethics and Civics should not be slapped on them,” the PTMA chief remarked.

Professor Anjum said the Muslim students get a cutting edge over minority students by getting additional 20 marks by memorizing Quran, Muslim holy book. Asked if his association sought the award of the 20 marks for non-Muslim students by passing some religion based test the PMTA chief said he was opposed to this practice in principle.

Professor Anjum Paul said he was going to send recommendations to the Ministry of Education as well as to President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The PMTA Chief told ANS he wrote a letter to Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf wherein several demands were made. ANS obtained the copy of the letter, which called for representation of educationists from the Minorities in the Curriculum Revising Committee 2006 that has recently been constituted. Role of educationists and educational institutions of the Minorities is before all.

“We humbly request you to find a soft corner for the educationists in the Committee so that there may be better recommendations for the success of your revolutionary reforms in the education sector,” it said

The letter called for the substitute subjects for the students belonging to Minorities instead of Nazra, Arabic and Islamic Studies which are compulsory for all the students up to grade viii belonging to any religion.

It also made the demand for recruitment of teachers belonging to Minorities to teach the subject of Ethics.

“PMTA also requests to introduce the subject of Ethics in a pure sense where there are the teachings of the religions that exist in Pakistan so that the students may also know their religions from grade 1 as Islamic Studies and Arabic are compulsory subjects from grade 1,” said the letter.

It said that religion should be taught only in the subject of ‘Religion’ otherwise there is discrimination of students belonging to Minorities on the basis of religion.

“Students are innocents and sometimes they are misled from their religion. It is therefore requested to pay special attention in the subjects of Urdu and Social Sciences where there is too much preaching of Islam”, it said.

“PMTA requests to write correct information in the text books instead of disinformation and misinformation .If it is necessary to write about the teachings and cultures of the Minorities in the text books, then educationists from the Minorities must be consulted.

“PMTA requests to use the word ‘Minorities’ instead of ‘Non-Muslim’ which is used mostly in the text books. This is discrimination of Religious Minorities of Pakistan. ‘Non-Muslim’ is not a religion in any sense. The term ‘Minorities’ has been used in the Objectives Resolution and in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973”
.
“PMTA requests to replace the biased material against the Minorities in the text books. And to add chapters on interfaith harmony to promote national integrity. PMTA requests to review some of the messages by the highest authorities in the text books and to encourage all the students in the messages instead of paying special attention to Muslim students only. Text book are to be read by all Pakistani students belonging to any religion, race or caste”, it maintained.

“PMTA requests to present the true picture of the Minorities and the national heroes who have been ignored intentionally especially in the era of General Muhammad Zia-ul-haq. Role of Minorities has been totally ignored in the text books that causes disharmony in the society .Thus it is very important to present the role of Minorities in the Pakistan Movement and their services in the different fields as the role of Muslims has been presented in the text books. Minorities have played vital role for Pakistan and it is on the record”

“PMTA requests to use the word ’Masihi’ instead of ‘Esai’ in the text books if it is necessary to write because Christian use the word ‘Masih’ after their name not ‘Esai,’” said the letter.

PMTA for Substitute Syllabus for Minorities’ Students

The PMTA Chief told ANS he wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz and Federal Minister for Education, Ashraf Javed Qazi ,on June 14, 2006 in which he raised questions including 1. Why Islamic Studies, Arabic and Nazra are compulsory subjects for the minorities’ students from the Prep class instead of teaching their own religions? If it is so then why not Hebrew, Hindi, Persian and Punjabi for the students belonging to minorities? 2. Is this not discrimination and violation of human rights that a student from the majority religion studies ones’ own religion and minorities’ students have to study Islam to which one does not belong? 3. Why all students are taught Islam in Social Sciences such as in the subjects of Urdu and Social Studies in the text books. In which students belonging to minorities have to negate the teachings of their own religions? 4. What do you say about the first 6 chapters out of 18 of grade 1, subject Urdu, edition January 2005 which express all about Islam and Muslims but have to study by all the students? Copy attached herewith. 5. Why there are not substitute subjects for the minorities’ students against Islamic Studies, Arabic and Nazra and in this regard have the educationists from the minorities been ever consulted? 6. Why the subject of Ethics is optional in the grade 9th and 10th while Islamic Studies compulsory to the post graduate level for Muslim Students? 7. Why Ethics and not religious studies prepared by the educationists from the minorities? 8. Is national integrity and social harmony possible when that is not created in the minds of the students who are the future and pillars of the nation?

Call for Treatment of Civics as a compulsory Subject

The PMTA chief told ANS he wrote a letter to the Minister of Education Punjab, Mian Imran Masood, on September 29, 2006 in which he demanded that the subject of Civics be offered as a compulsory subject at the intermediate level.

ANS obtained the copy of the letter in which Anjum Paul wrote:

“… I have come to know by the authorities of the Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education Faisalabad that in the Scheme of Studies there is the subject of Civics as a compulsory subject for the minorities’ students. But I am sorry to say that the students are kept ignored deliberately about this subject and ultimately they have to appear in the subject of Islamic Studies which is a compulsory subject for Muslim students but is applied even to the Minorities’ students”.

“In this regard I want to draw your kind attention towards a case of Govt. College Samundri, Dist. Faisalabad where a Christian Student Mr. Haroon Masih wanted to replace Islamic Studies during the session of 2006.Now he is studying Civics instead of Islamic Studies. Pakistan Minorities’ Teachers Association (PMTA) requests you to issue an order to all the Boards of Intermediate & Secondary Education of Punjab to issue circulations to all the heads of the Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools to change the subject of all the Minorities students to Civics as a compulsory subject who are studying in those respective institutions until arrangements are formulated of Religious Studies of their religions.”

“Secondly, to write the subject of Civics in the compulsory subjects on the admission form so that Minorities’ students may choose the subject of Civics. Thirdly, to write the name of other religions in the column of the religion on the admission form and all the other documents, as there is written Muslim and Non-Muslim. Non-Muslim is not a religion in any sense as he/she may be a Christian/Hindu/Sikh/Buddhist/Parsi or belonging to any other religion. it has been observed that the Minorities students are mentally tortured with this word. Fourthly, to make possible arrangements for the availability of books of Civics so that students prepare this subject well in time. PMTA is hopeful that prompt action shall be taken in this regard so that the entire Minorities’ students who appear regular or private in the annual examination 2007 will appear in the subject of Civics as a compulsory subject”

Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The Daily Frontier Post
http://www.frontierpost.com
July 13,2009

Qirat and minorities teachers

Prof Anjum James Paul Peshawar

The Government of Punjab has declared one month compulsory training for the newly-recruited educators who will receive training in the subjects of Science, Mathematics, English, Urdu, Computer, PT and Qirat (recitation of the holy Quran).Master trainers have already been trained who will engage 45 minutes periods daily in each subject. Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association (PMTA) has grave concerns in this regard as there has been discrimination with the educators belonging to the minorities who have been forced to receive training of Qirat. This is a clear cut sign that either there will be training of only Muslim educators or the educators belonging from the minorities will have to preach Islam in the educational institutions of Punjab. This compulsory period of Qirat for all the educators can be harmful for the minorities' educators as they study their own faith. Qirat can harm the communal harmony and minorities' educators can be easily caught in section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code which can even take their lives. The teachers from the minorities have already suffered due to this section. So, PMTA again demands that there must be compulsory training for the minorities' educators according to their faiths as there are students from the minorities as well who receive education in the public schools. In this way there will not be violation of article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights providing equal rights to all people irrespective of religion or gender.

Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The Daily Frontier Post
http://www.thefrontierpost.com
April 03, 2009

PEC negligence

Prof Anjum James Paul Faisalabad.

Punjab Examination Commission declared the results for class V and VIII on March 31st, 2009. A student, Takveen Anjum of class V, appearing under roll number 17-612-201 had boycotted the paper of Ethics held on Feb 4, as she was not provided the syllabus. But surprisingly she has been awarded 61 marks in Islamic Studies instead of Ethics. A total of 74 students were to appear in Ethics in Faisalabad. The subject of Islamic Studies has been mentioned against Ethics. According to the notification of the Schools Education Department, the government of Punjab, No. SO(A II)8-5/2004(P), dated July 7, 2008, subject of Ethics was not mentioned in the educational calendar but the students of minorities were asked to appear in Ethics without providing any syllabus to the students. The higher authorities were informed but nothing has still been done. Instead the minorities students have been declared successful in Islamic Studies subject

Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The Daily Frontier Post
http://www.therfrontierpost.com
March 12,2009

Reservations on Education Policy

Prof Anjum James Paul Faisalabad

Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association has strong reservations on the draft of the National Education Policy 2009 as this Policy violates article 25 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan which describes" All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law." PMTA feels sorry to say that there is contradiction in the policy and voice of the minorities and moderate Pakistanis has been totally ignored. This policy cannot work properly as there is contradiction in the various articles of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. PMTA requests the concerned corners that the educational policy must be shaped keeping in mind the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that he presented in the First Educational Conference held in Karachi in November 1947,Article 20, 22 and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan, Article 1 and 26 of UHDR, Article 18, 26 and 27 of ICCPR , Article 2 and 14 of ICRC and the UNESCO recommendations. The PMTA would like to draw your kind attention on some the paragraphs of this policy. 1. 20 It is common knowledge, as well as a proven outcome of many studies that discrimination exists in the education system in various forms. 2. 45 Traditions, culture and faith all reflect upon the education system while at the same time get affected by it. 3. 47. Cultural values of the majority of Pakistanis are derived from Islam. An education system reflects and strengthens social, cultural and moral values. Pakistan's educational interventions have to be based on the core values of faith. 4. 48. The National Education Policy recognizes the importance of Islamic values and adheres to the agreed principles in this regard. All policy interventions shall fall within the parameters identified in the Principles of Policy as laid down in Articles 29, 30, 33, 36, 37 and 40 of Constitution of Pakistan 1973. These include the need for Muslim children to be provided instructions in Islamiyat to enable them to develop themselves as good Muslims. Similarly, minorities should be provided with facilities to get education of their own religion 5. 82 There is also an unresolved and continuing debate on how and what religious and moral values be taught through the educational system and how to accommodate non-Muslim minorities. 6. 89 The Planning Commission's 'Vision 2030' also argues for such change of the mindset, which commits to a new set of societal goals. The Ministry of Education has adopted following vision: "Education is a categorical imperative for individual, social and national development that should enable all individuals to reach their maximum human potential. The system should produce responsible, enlightened citizens to integrate Pakistan in the global framework of human centered economic development." 7. The plans shall also promote equity in education for eliminating social exclusion and promoting national cohesion. Greater opportunities shall be provided to marginalised groups of society, particularly girls. (P 20 Policy Actions No.3) 8. Curriculum shall emphasize the fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of Pakistan, so that each individual shall develop within himself and the society at large, a civic culture strong enough to withstand any extra constitutional interference which threatens those rights. (P 39 Policy Actions No.3) PMTA is unable to understand why the policy makers have ignored article 25 (1) which is in the chapter of the Fundamental Rights and Article 31(2) that contradicts Article 25(1) which is as under that describes "The state shall endeavour, as respects the Muslims of Pakistan: to make the teaching of the Holy Quran and Islamiat compulsory, to encourage and facilitate the learning of Arabic language and to secure correct and exact printing and publishing of the Holy Quran?" Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan has failed to facilitate the minorities as they have been ignored to get education of their own religions. The textbooks in the subject of Ethics from grade I-XII are being written by the biased Muslim writers violating the teachings of the minority religions of Pakistan. This contradicts the policy action 3 on page 39 of the draft. PMTA has already brought into the kind notice of the Ministry of Education and the esteemed offices of the government of Pakistan but no attention has been paid which is a clear indication of discrimination against minorities. According to para 82 non-Muslim minorities have not been accommodated. The same way para 47 and 48 totally goes in favour of the majority religion of Pakistan that contradicts the article 25(1). Article 38 (d) speaks of instilling moral values and of providing education to all citizens irrespective of gender, caste, creed, or race but it has been observed that the moral values of a particular religion are promoted through the textbooks and educational institutions. PMTA published a White Paper on education in Pakistan in 2007. Copies of the White Paper were mailed to the Federal Ministry of Education and the esteemed offices. This is a document to debate religious bias, general standard of textbooks and educational policies of Pakistan. It is sorry to say that there is not much difference in this education policy which is not a healthy sign. There must be removal of all sorts of bias against any religion, civilization or culture from Pakistani textbooks and educational institutions.

Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The Daily Frontier Post
http://www.thefrontierpost.com
February 05,2009

Islam and minorities’ rights

Prof Anjum James Paul Faisalabad. info.pmta@gmail.com

Principal of Punjab University Law College (PULC), Prof Shazia Qureshi, has said that Islam is a universal religion which is complete code of life and encircled entire sphere of life throughout the globe. Islam not only protects but also safeguards the rights of minorities and upholds the human rights while constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights besides protection to minorities. Speaking at a round table discussion as chief guest on "Minority Rights" (Feb 1), she said that rights of all Muslims, including minorities, are fully protected in Islam. She said that according to Article 25 of constitution, all citizens are equal and entitled to same protection of law without any discrimination on the basis of sex alone. She said that Article 36 safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of minorities, including their due representation in the federal and provincial services. Ms. Shazia Qureshi said that constitution provides freedom of movement, assembly, association, trade business or profession, freedom of professing religion, protection to property rights, protection against double punishment and non-discrimination in respect of access to public places." I would like to say in honour of Prof Shazia Qureshi if Islam protects the minority rights then why Muslims become hindrance in it. They must follow the teachings of Islam in a real way so that they may become a model example for the non-Muslims. I am presenting only one example here how there is violation of the minority students. Examinations for Class V have begun from Feb 3, but students of religious minorities were not provided the syllabus of Ethics yet. According to the notification of the Schools Education Department, the government of Punjab, No. SO(A II)8-5/2004(P), dated July 7, 2008, there are the subjects of Urdu, English, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Social Studies and Science but not the subject of Ethics in the educational calendar, which is a compulsory subject according to the recommended Education Policy 2006 for the students of religious minorities. There is no option for the subject of Islamic Studies but it seems that the students of minorities are deliberately kept in the dark as most of them are examined for the subject of Islamic Studies instead of Ethics. The Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association (PMTA) wrote a letter to the chief minister of Punjab on Oct 30, 2008 on the subject, 'Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th classes." Copies of the letter were mailed to the minister of education, minister of human rights and minorities affairs and the secretary of education, government of Punjab. The PMTA received letters from the ministry of human rights and minorities affairs, ministry of education, government of Punjab, Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore, Punjab Examination Commission and Punjab Education Commission but they all have failed to provide the syllabus according to the above-mentioned educational calendar 2008-09. Now it is up you to decide whether minorities are enjoying the rights according to the teachings of Islam and the article 25 and 36 of the constitution of Pakistan 1973.

Letter published in the Daily Pakistan Observer

The Daily Pakistan Obeserver
http://pakobserver.net
January 30, 2009

Woes of minority students

Prof Anjum James Paul

Examinations for Class V are commencing on Feb 3, but students of religious minorities have not been provided the syllabus of Ethics yet. According to the notification of the Schools Education Department, the government of Punjab, No. SO(A II)8-5/2004(P), dated July 7, 2008, there are the subjects of Urdu, English, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Social Studies and Science but not the subject of Ethics in the educational calendar, which is a compulsory subject according to the recommended Education Policy 2006 for the students of religious minorities. There is no option for the subject of Islamic Studies but it seems that the students of minorities are deliberately kept in the dark as most of them are examined for the subject of Islamic Studies instead of Ethics.

The Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA) wrote a letter to the chief minister of Punjab on Oct 30, 2008 on the subject, ‘Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th classes.” Copies of the letter were mailed to the minister of education, minister of human rights and minorities affairs and the secretary of education, government of Punjab. The PMTA received letters from the ministry of human rights and minorities affairs, ministry of education, government of Punjab, Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore, Punjab Examination Commission and Punjab Education Commission but they have all failed to provide the syllabus according to the above-mentioned educational calendar 2008-09.

There are 74 Christian students in Class V who will appear for the subject of Ethics only in the district of Faisalabad but the textbook will be available after three or four years. One of the students, Takveen Anjum, wrote a letter to the Punjab education secretary on the subject, ‘Unavailability of the syllabus and book of Ethics’, on Jan 9. Copies of the same letter were mailed to the Punjab education minister, as well as to the chief minister, but there has been no reply from these quarters yet. I have asked Takveen Anjum to appear in all the papers except Ethics.

Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The Daily Frontier Post
http://www.thefrontierpost.com
January 30,2009

Woes of minority students

Prof Anjum james Paul Chairman, PMTA Faisalabad

Examinations for Class V are commencing on Feb 3, but students of religious minorities have not been provided the syllabus of Ethics yet. According to the notification of the Schools Education Department, the government of Punjab, No. SO(A II)8-5/2004(P), dated July 7, 2008, there are the subjects of Urdu, English, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Social Studies and Science but not the subject of Ethics in the educational calendar, which is a compulsory subject according to the recommended Education Policy 2006 for the students of religious minorities. There is no option for the subject of Islamic Studies but it seems that the students of minorities are deliberately kept in the dark as most of them are examined for the subject of Islamic Studies instead of Ethics. The Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association (PMTA) wrote a letter to the chief minister of Punjab on Oct 30, 2008 on the subject, 'Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th classes." Copies of the letter were mailed to the minister of education, minister of human rights and minorities affairs and the secretary of education, government of Punjab. The PMTA received letters from the ministry of human rights and minorities affairs, ministry of education, government of Punjab, Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore, Punjab Examination Commission and Punjab Education Commission but they have all failed to provide the syllabus according to the above-mentioned educational calendar 2008-09. There are 74 Christian students in Class V who will appear for the subject of Ethics only in the district of Faisalabad but the textbook will be available after three or four years. One of the students, Takveen Anjum, wrote a letter to the Punjab education secretary on the subject, 'Unavailability of the syllabus and book of Ethics', on Jan 9. Copies of the same letter were mailed to the Punjab education minister, as well as to the chief minister, but there has been no reply from these quarters yet. I have asked Takveen Anjum to appear in all the papers except Ethics. The Punjab ministry of education will be held responsible for the negligence and consequences of her result. Is there anyone who can ask the authorities concerned of the Education Department that if there is not a notified syllabus in the educational calendar, how can they conduct the paper in the subject of Ethics?

Letter published in the Daily Dawn

The Daily Dawn
http://www.dawn.com
January 29,2009

Woes of minority students

EXAMINATIONS for Class V are commencing on Feb 3, but students of religious minorities have not been provided the syllabus of Ethics yet.

According to the notification of the Schools Education Department, the government of Punjab, No. SO(A II)8-5/2004(P), dated July 7, 2008, there are the subjects of Urdu, English, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Social Studies and Science but not the subject of Ethics in the educational calendar, which is a compulsory subject according to the recommended Education Policy 2006 for the students of religious minorities.

There is no option for the subject of Islamic Studies but it seems that the students of minorities are deliberately kept in the dark as most of them are examined for the subject of Islamic Studies instead of Ethics.

The Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA) wrote a letter to the chief minister of Punjab on Oct 30, 2008 on the subject, ‘Issuance of syllabus in the subject of Ethics for 5th and 8th classes.”

Copies of the letter were mailed to the minister of education, minister of human rights and minorities affairs and the secretary of education, government of Punjab.

The PMTA received letters from the ministry of human rights and minorities affairs, ministry of education, government of Punjab, Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore, Punjab Examination Commission and Punjab Education Commission but they have all failed to provide the syllabus according to the above-mentioned educational calendar 2008-09.

There are 74 Christian students in Class V who will appear for the subject of Ethics only in the district of Faisalabad but the textbook will be available after three or four years.

One of the students, Takveen Anjum, wrote a letter to the Punjab education secretary on the subject, ‘Unavailability of the syllabus and book of Ethics’, on Jan 9.

Copies of the same letter were mailed to the Punjab education minister, as well as to the chief minister, but there has been no reply from these quarters yet.

I have asked Takveen Anjum to appear in all the papers except Ethics.

The Punjab ministry of education will be held responsible for the negligence and consequences of her result.

Is there anyone who can ask the authorities concerned of the Education Department that if there is not a notified syllabus in the educational calendar, how can they conduct the paper in the subject of Ethics?

PROF ANJUM JAMES PAUL
Chairman, PMTA
Via email

Letter published in the Daily Mail (Reaction)

The Daily Mail
www.dailymailnews.com
January 02,2009

Inter-faith harmony in curriculum

The respect for the religion in the textbooks of Pakistan has prompted Professor Anjum James Paul, Chairman Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association (PMTA) to write 'inter-faith Harmony in Curriculum' (Dawn, Dec 24), in which has raised concerns about the writing of the textbooks and is of the view that these textbooks are being written in violation of the articles of Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, UDHR, United Nations Convention of Civil and Political Rights, International Convention on the Child Rights and the criteria of UNESCO. He maintains that the textbooks in Pakistan are being written according to the recommended education policy that they must be prepared according to the ideology of pioneer of Pakistan that he presented on August 11, 1947 and in November 1947 to the participants of educational conference. According to him PMTA published a White Paper on education of Pakistan in 2007. This is a document which debates religious bias, general standard of the textbooks and educational policies in Pakistan, Religious bias against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Zoroasters and Jews in 52 textbooks has been identified in the subjects of civics, ethics, English, Islamic Studies, Social Studies and Urdu along with recommendations. He has also criticized Punjab and Sindh Textbooks Boards for publishing textbooks in violation of fundamental rights of the students of minorities of Pakistan and claims that voice of religious minorities is not being heard. Professor Anjum has done a blunder by taking up case for the minorities who are not part of Pakistani population in referred 'White Paper on Education in Pakistan', as there are no Jews and Zoroasters in Pakistan Professors Anjum should not forget that Islamic Republic of Pakistan was created on the basis of Pakistan Resolution of March 23, 1940, which emphasized that a country is to be created, in which the Muslims could lead their lives in accordance with the tenants of Islam. Since curriculum is an important tool through which social structure of masses can be framed in accordance to an ideology, our education policy has to be framed within the parameters of Ideology of Pakistan. Objections framed by Professor Anjum can be sustained if information in the text books is concocted or false. But what all is written regarding the other religious groups, whether Hindus, Christians, Jews or Sikhs has direct relation with the history of Muslim evolution. Presently, the Constitution of Pakistan has taken good care of the rights of the minorities and they are not only encouraged to establish their own educational institutions but are being given over and above their share.
Alina Javed

Letter published in the Daily Nation

The Daily Nation
http://nation.com.pk
December 24, 2008

Talking easy, doing hard
Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan announced August 11 to be 'the Minorities Day' for every year. I am unable to understand why do we need to celebrate the Minorities Day? Yes, the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had mentioned minorities and their rights in his address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947. But the ideology of Pakistan that he presented on this day died immediately after his death when an Objectives Resolution was passed in 1949 at the behest of the then Prime Minister, Liaqat Ali Khan. The founder of this nation did not want Pakistan to be a theocratic state but his ideology perished and Pakistan is neither a true democracy today nor it has any justice or equal rights for all.
Religious minorities are suffering a lot in this country because of bias and discrimination in the textbooks especially against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroasters. This bias has seeped into all educational, social and political institutions of Pakistan. Minorities are segregated and are not accorded equal rights by either society or state.
Prime Minister Gillani said in his speech that he wished to create a culture of peace and harmony in the country. He must understand that in order to create this peace and harmony, firm steps must be taken by the government of Pakistan to address discrimination against the minorities on all level.
ANJUM JAMES PAUL

Letter published in the Daily Dawn

The Daily Dawn
http://www.dawn.com
December 24, 2008

Inter-faith harmony in curriculum

I WOULD like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to respect for religions in the textbooks of Pakistan. The textbooks are being written according to the recommended education policy that they must be prepared according to the ideology of the pioneer of Pakistan that he presented on Aug 11, 1947 and in November 1947 to the participants of the educational conference.

The Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA) has grave concerns about the writing of the textbooks as recently observed in my meeting with Chiragh Din Arif, director of curriculum, Punjab Textbooks Board, Lahore. These textbooks are being written in violation of the articles of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, UDHR, United Nations Convention of Civil and Political Rights, International Convention on the Child Rights and the criteria of Unesco.

The PMTA published a white paper on education in Pakistan in 2007. This is a document to debate religious bias, general standard of textbooks and educational policies in Pakistan. Religious bias against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Zoroasters and Jews in 52 textbooks has been identified in the subjects of civics, ethics, English, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, Social Studies and Urdu, along with recommendations.

Textbooks must be based on values and there must be removal of all sorts of bias against the minority religions and their followers in the upcoming textbooks which are being written for Pakistani students but not for the followers of a particular religion.

The role of religious minorities must be presented like Muslims’ in the creation and construction of Pakistan so that the culture of peace and harmony is promoted through the textbooks of Pakistan.

In the textbooks of Ethics (compulsory) chapters on Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Judaism must be written according to the teachings of their sacred books. These textbooks must be written without any comparison between or among religions as it is in the instructions of the curriculum of ethics.

These textbooks must be written by the scholars of the relevant religions so that any particular ideology of a religion may not influence the teachings of any other religion. The Sindh Textbook Board has already gone through the bitter experience of this unacceptability in the book of ethics for Class IX which was rejected by the Christians because the chapter on ‘Jesus Christ’ hurt their faith. If the situation remains the same in future textbooks, then there will again be violation of fundamental rights of the students of minorities of Pakistan.

During my meeting with the director of curriculum, he asked me to provide him a name of a scholar who is competent in the comparative study of religions. I was so surprised to know that it was an open violation of the instructions. It was evident that the ministry of education was not ready to bring changes to the curriculum and has some unknown fear from the patriot minorities.

The ministry of education only seems to be the voice of the majority but not of the minority. I presented a report of a seminar which was held in July in Lahore on the ‘Role of textbooks in promoting social and inter-religious harmony’. There were Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Zoroasters who participated in this seminar and unanimously passed the recommendations which were presented to the minister of human rights, the government of Punjab, but it seems that the voice of religious minorities is not being heard.

PROF ANJUM JAMES PAUL
Chairman, PMTA
Lahore

Letter published in the Daily Chitral Times

The Editor
Chitral Times
www.chitraltimes.com
December 19, 2008

MINORITIES DAY OR SEGREGATION DAY

Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan in his speech during a Christmas dinner on December 16, 2008 announced August 11 as a Minorities Day every year.
I am unable to understand why to celebrate the Minorities Day? The founder of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947 but not to the minorities of Pakistan. It is unfortunate that the ideology of Pakistan which was presented by Mr. Jinnah before the existence of a new born Pakistani nation was sacked immediately after his death in the shape of the Objective Resolution in 1949 which was passed by Mr.Liaqat Ali Khan the then Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The founder of this nation did not want Pakistan a theocratic state but we have seen that his ideology is lost as there is no true democracy, justice and equal rights to all. Religious minorities are suffering much due to the bias and discrimination in the textbooks especially against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroasters. There is bias and discrimination in the educational, social and political institutions of Pakistan. Minorities are segregated as there are not equal rights for them.

The Prime Minister further expressed in his speech to create the culture of peace and harmony. To create peace and harmony firm steps must be taken by the government of Pakistan repealing biases and discrimination against the minorities on all level. There must be respect of the minorities and their religious teachings in the textbooks.

Minorities, humbly request the Prime Minister of Pakistan to repeal all discriminatory laws against them immediately otherwise Minorities Day will be a clear indication there is discrimination in Pakistan against the minorities .There are chances of confrontation between the majority and minority religion which can cause problem celebrating this day.

We want to have the status of equal Pakistani without the distinction of minority or majority. Pakistan is a motherland of all Pakistanis but not of a particular religion or race. We have all to make our efforts for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. It can only be possible when there is equality, justice, peace, harmony, tolerance and brotherhood.

ANJUM JAMES PAUL
DIRECTOR
SHADOW ORGANIZATION

Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The daily Frontier Post
http://www.thefrontierpost.com
December 19,2008

Minorities Day or Segregation Day
Anjum James Paul Director Shadow Organization
Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan in his speech during a Christmas dinner on December 16, 2008 announced August 11 as a Minorities Day every year. I am unable to understand why to celebrate the Minorities Day? The founder of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947 but not to the minorities of Pakistan. It is unfortunate that the ideology of Pakistan which was presented by Mr. Jinnah before the existence of a new born Pakistani nation was sacked immediately after his death in the shape of the Objective Resolution in 1949 which was passed by Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan the then Prime Minister of Pakistan. The founder of this nation did not want Pakistan a theocratic state but we have seen that his ideology is lost as there is no true democracy, justice and equal rights to all. Religious minorities are suffering much due to the bias and discrimination in the textbooks especially against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroasters. There is bias and discrimination in the educational, social and political institutions of Pakistan. Minorities are segregated as there are not equal rights for them. The Prime Minister further expressed in his speech to create the culture of peace and harmony. To create peace and harmony firm steps must be taken by the government of Pakistan repealing biases and discrimination against the minorities on all level. There must be respect of the minorities and their religious teachings in the textbooks. Minorities, humbly request the Prime Minister of Pakistan to repeal all discriminatory laws against them immediately otherwise Minorities Day will be a clear indication there is discrimination in Pakistan against the minorities .There are chances of confrontation between the majority and minority religion which can cause problem celebrating this day. We want to have the status of equal Pakistani without the distinction of minority or majority. Pakistan is a motherland of all Pakistanis but not of a particular religion or race. We have all to make our efforts for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. It can only be possible when there is equality, justice, peace ,harmony ,tolerance and brotherhood.

Letter published in the Daily Dawn

The Daily Dawn
http://www.dawn.com
September 08, 2008

Curriculum on ethics

I endorse the recommendation made by Dr Tahira Arshad on ‘World religions course’ (Sept 1). I would like to say that the curriculum in the subject of Ethics has been developed by the Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and Zoroasters.

Unforunately, Bahai religion has been ignored in the curriculum. There has been concern from the Bahai community in this regard. Students of religious minorities will not only study 12 religions, 30 personalities of different religions and nine religious festivals of these religions but about ethics as well.

Muslim students will be deprived of this all. When 97 per cent of the population will not study, then religious harmony, tolerance and patience will not be possible? We demand the government of Pakistan that this curriculum be included in the other textbooks because they will study Islamic Studies instead of Ethics. They need to study ethics as well which is the need of every human being.Religions which are placed in the recommended curriculum of Ethics from Grades III to XII are Totemism, Fables and Myths, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Confu-cianism, Taoism and Jainism.

Students will study the following personalities: Abraham, Lord Krishna, Gautama Buddha, Moses, Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad, David, St. Paul the Apostle, Baba Guru Nank Dev Ji, Mother Mary, Ashoka, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hazrat Rabia Basri, Zarathustra, Mira Bai, Ibn Miskawayh, Abraham Lincoln, Mahavira, Aristotle, Kant, Imam Ghazali, Florence Nightingale, Sri Arubindu, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Abdul Sattar Edhi, Dr Muhammad Younas, Nagaib Mehfouz and Gool Minawal/Nusswanji Mehta and about the following religious festivals:

Eidul Fitr, Christmas, Birthday of Baba Guru Nank, Eidul Azha, Easter, Holi, Nouroz, Lord Krishna’s birthday and Baisakhi.

PROF ANJUM JAMES PAUL
Faisalabad