On Tuesday, the Senate Standing Committee on Education expressed strong concerns over derogatory remarks about Pakhtuns found in an O Level Urdu textbook, taking a firm stance against such content.
The committee, led by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, reviewed the issue in detail, revealing that the book had already been banned, and the author had submitted a written apology.
Despite these steps, Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan voiced frustration over the book’s continued circulation. The committee emphasized the federal government’s responsibility in regulating educational material.
Chairperson Senator Bushra called for the author and publisher to attend the next meeting, condemning the remarks as hate speech that harms children’s perspectives.
She recommended that the Ministry of Education issue directives to all provinces for the book’s immediate withdrawal, highlighting this action as a precedent for accountability in educational publishing.
The committee addressed funding concerns for the Higher Education Commission’s International Research Support Initiative Programme (IRSIP), anticipating final funding decisions by December.
The meeting also discussed an ongoing hunger strike by academic staff at Balochistan University over unpaid salaries. Senator Hidayatullah underscored the urgency of dedicating 4% of GDP to education, particularly in Balochistan.
Moreover, the committee proposed policy changes to differentiate privileges for acting and permanent vice chancellors, urging timely appointments to stabilize university leadership.
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