LAHORE: Ahle-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), while making a pledge to ensure that "Gilgit-Baltistan remains a Sunni province", called for a protest on Tuesday against a change in curriculum which will have the names of the Holy Prophet's (pbuh) companions removed from textbooks.
The reaction came after the arrangement of changing the curriculum entered its final stage, as claimed by ASWJ. The curriculum will be implemented in all public-sector schools and colleges.
According to ASWJ’s Media Coordinator Ubaidullah Usmani, Interior Minister Rehman Malik during his visit to the province after the Kohistan tragedy took place, gave his assurances that the Shia community’s demand of the removal of names of the Holy Prophet's (pbuh) companions and other demands will be fulfilled.
Usmani said that after the names of the companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) are removed, G-B will “formally” become a Shia state.
He said that Malik told the Shia community that directives to implement this change were given to the Chief Secretary of G-B.
Usmani revealed that this demand was thwarted in 2003 when a file containing all the paperwork was snatched from then federal education minister Zubeida Jalal by then chief of Sipa-e-Sahaba, Maulana Azam Tariq in the assembly who made it public.
In the paperwork, the Shia community had cited chapters of different college and school textbooks which had the name of the companions and demanded that they be eradicated.
He said that four months after the incident took place, Maulana Tariq was murdered and then leader of the Shia community Ziauddin Rizvi was one of the accused nominated in the case.
The organisation’s leadership said that it was their responsibility to "declare Pakistan as a Sunni state" and stand up against the “increasing activities of Shias in the province”.
Usmani further said that being a Sunni-majority state, Pakistan should protect the interests of the Sunni community and in case, if that is not done, then the ASWJ will go to Iran, a Shia-majority country and demand for rights for the Sunni community.
ASWJ also alleged that desecration (toheen) of the Holy Quran and mosques across G-B by the Shias had become a routine practice.
COMMENTS (98)
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Correct me if I am wrong but Mr Jinnah was a Shia yet he on creating Pakistan didn't enforce his religion on the people, so little give and take on either side is no bad thing.The Shia community obviously feel strongly on the matter and there demands should be listened to, the terrorist outfit aswj formerly sipah e sahib are nothing but trouble makers.
The people who don't know the value of Islam, Prophet Mohummed (pbuh) and His companions are passing comments here about this pious and pure religion. Really there is still no deficit of "abu jahils" in our country.
A great overall analysis of Gilgit Baltistan which includes the DECADES OLD textbook controversy and the overall history of anti-Shia sectarianism and ghettoization, Wahhabi/Salafi/Deoband/Sunni extremism sadly promoted by the indifferent (or like minded dogmatic) establishment that preferred a Sunni hegemony.
http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/publication/faultlines/volume20/Article4.htm
It can't be ignored any more. The prejudice and bigotry needs to be addressed.
What mean by sunni pakistan and shia iran. You are ignorant fool. Both Pakistan and Iran Islamic Republics.
Interesting Nazi propaganda, to create the 'foreign narrative' to alienate and bigotedly link every Pakistani Shia Muslim to Iran, and hilariously claim they're desecrating the Holy Quran.
Yup...the Sunnification of Pakistan. Still rather incredible that residents of Gilgit Baltistan are still strongly pro-Pakistan, considering the lack of rights of the Shia majority population, not even being recognized as a province. They are incredibly represented by mostly Deoband lawmakers from the center, who admittedly have links to violent anti-Shia Sunni supremacist sectarian organizations.
None of this should be surprising any more. Sectarianism has been institutionalized in many Pakistan territories and the discrimination in the system has been blatant.
@John:
We're not Saudi, we're not Irani, and we should stop acting like them or any other theocratic regime. Bottom line we shouldn't be mistreating or discriminating ANY minorities and extend equal citizenship to all, instead of basing it on sect or creed.
Just to correct you, Jinnah had a falling out with the Ismaili community leader and hence became a Twelver Shia (and not a Sunni as some majority religious nationalists like to reimagine). His public prayers were held by a Deoband (ironically), however, there was a private ceremony under Shia Muslim rituals done earlier. Read Wolpert, Nasr and Khaled Ahmed for more.
@John: Shia Asna-Ashari or twelvers are around 90% of Iranian population, whereas no sect of muslims in Pakistan has simple majority in Pakistan ! Quaid-e-Azam was a Shia, but he never wished Pakistan to be theocratic state where mullahs have authority ! Rather he struggled for a Pakistan where every citizen of state was equal and his/her faith had nothing to do with business of state !
There should be no link between state and religion. NO shia NO sunni, NO muslim, NO hindu, NO christian. Just Pakistan.
Only Holy Quran should be taught in the schools, along with translation. If people want to learn about the various shades of turbans, well, what are their parents for?
Why tinker with names? What purpose will it serve? Two wrongs will never make it right.
In Iran Sunnis are officially declared a minority as per clause 12 of its constitution so no harm in declaring shias a minority. Mr Jinnah was not a Ashnashi shia but originally a Aga Khani and was buried after his prayers were led by a sunni Mufti Usmani. Gilgit/baltistan was faciliated seperation from Azad kashmir by the shia , iranian wife of Bhutto, Nusrat so we know why it was done.
ASWJ is openly and without any regard for consequences, preaching hatred and sectarianism. It should be banned. These flames of hatred will engulf us all unless there is separation of religion and state. Religion is the private business of every individual and the state should be secular and unbiased towards all religions and beliefs..
Everything in Islam is transmitted through Sihabas.If someone wants to remove the names of Shihabs, basically he wants to remove the Islam.so what they deserve,they will get.
Then they say they are Muslims??????
Isn't Gilgit-Baltistan supposed to be part of Kashmir? Do Kashmiri muslims really want to join a Pakistan where such sectarian conflicts exist?
Land of Pure is getting purer and purer by every passing day! Fortunately intolerance has a way consuming itself but it will take a while.
//ASWJ also alleged that desecration (toheen) of the Holy Quran and mosques across G-B by the Shias had become a routine practice.//
Only a single proof required
Really unfortunate for this country that a terrorist group can so openly make demands when they ought to be behind bars. An idol mind is a devil's workshop. But then I then I guess these guys are busy after all, promoting the agenda of foreign powers who finance them. Motive: Break up Pakistan and such extreme sectarian sentiment as is prevailing in Pakistan has the potential to do just that.
@shadi: Have a look at the news coming from Iran and judge yourself if the sunnis are treated well!It's funny how people think that Iran is an ideal country!IPakistan is a sunni majority country and no one has the authority to remove the name of Sahabas!If the shias are so desperate, they should migrate to khomeini's place!
Giglit-Baltistan is Shia-majority territory, they have a right to set their own curriculum based on their views of Islamic history. If the ASWJ dont like it they can leave and goto Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan has to live up with these pitty issues, i am sorry for that.
in first place why to teach religion at schools?? secondly no sect and religion has right to teach religion of other sect to children from majorities or minorities. Islam is Islam, nobody is above Islam, but let people grow with their own brand. I hope shia did not demanding something form their brothers in majority which is not digestable. It is very justified to remove all content is bone of contentions from the curriculum which otherwise will keep fuelling to the already poor security in the country. I don't see a problem unless you are paranoid that shias are going to takeover the whole country.
@Mr. Righty rightist: we are NOT a part of any AZAD or MAQBOOZA Kashmir
People of GB should study whatever they want, we should not impose our views on them. Being Shia is a crime of consciousness or what!
There is a practical aspect. With blasphemy laws like those in Pakistan where throwing a business card with the name Muhammad on it away lands you in trouble, it is best that sensitive names and words are restricted to the fewest possible avenues of abuse. Else you would have blasphemy cases filed left and right against the children who use these books.
ASWJ also alleged that desecration (toheen) of the Holy Quran and mosques across G-B by the Shias had become a routine practice.
I am surprised that out of 67 comments above, nobody has mentioned the serious allegation at the end of the article. What an amalgamation of lies and concoction of baseless allegations despite the fact that the first three caliphs whom these Mullah speak of were so much against telling lies.
I belong to a Shia background myself but I still think that the move by the GB Govt is wrong. The Sahaba were the companions of the Prophet. To remove their names is to initiate a controversy about the Prophet himself. The proper course in my opinion is that texts of urdu, history etc should be completely secular. all references to religion should be removed. There is a seperate subject called Islamiat and the essence of religion (indeed different religions) should be taught in that.
Was reality behind removing names of Sahabia (RA) from curriculum asserted? If it is confirmed then its really bad, if news is false then protest is really bad, it will add to the hatred between different muslim sects.
@ VOICE-OF-GILGIT-BALTISTAN, I do agree with you this sort of propagation in all its means create revulsion among peace loving masses and derails thinking of common ppl who are struggling for children and good future, away from hate and propaganda. I am surprised Ahle-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) left with only this purpose of nurturing division, fundamentalism, and ignorance!!!! for god sack if you guys can’t spread good deeds than atleast stop carrying this country to the brink of destruction although you brought it near to that god forbid but still time to wakeup, we all are shamed being part of this society when I read this type of news my heart weeps today our diaper situation is because of such ppl.
The rift between Sunni and Shia communities is getting wider each passing day and latter being targetted by the former while GOP is playing the role of a silent spectator. There are many hardline Sunni clerics who want Shias to be declared as non-Muslims and even Deobandis have also come under fire. The govt must act decisively and stop situation going out of hand by protecting the minority communities otherwise riots would break out throughout the country.
We are too short to discuss this topic. The height of Sahaba is too tall and these tiny clerics have no idea what kind of hate they are preaching. Can you tell me what is wrong that hearts the parties involved??? We are simply ready to fight on non issues. Rasool Allah (PBUH) and his companions are equally important as they contributed fairly well in spreading Islam. Division among Muslims only serves purpose of Religion business not Islam.
since they are in majority, they have every right to change curriculum. it is the same right that you have already exercised. does our curriculum in other provinces present a balanced version of Islamic? Now first time you are on receiving end....
In 2000 and prior to that, there was a separate curriculum (i.e shia islamiat and sunni islamiat) for students in federal board, even then there was not an issue of shia state, so why is it now?
@Mahesh Patil:
Because, the silent majority is in fact the indifferent majority.
...being a Shia is no crime. Being an Ahmadi is. What goes around comes around. Back in the 70s, seeds of dischord were sown. Very proudly every denominaiton of Muslims in Pakistan signed up to it. Sadly, the country is paying for it. The Jinn is out of the bottle and has engulfed every facet of life and society as we know it. A beautiful country that once was. is destroyed.
Ideal situation to apply two nation theory.A call for 'Direct action' will surely expedite the desired result.
The simple and sole solution for GB as well as for whole of Pakistan is to separate state and religion. Religion must not be visible in public life making it the individual matter. All hatred shall die down in some time after a bit shoot out.
I think the local wisdom needs to be put forth.
In 2005 an agreement had been reached between leaders of the two sects on this issue.
The clauses of that agreement were:
In Shia majority areas, instead of the controversial aspects of the curriculum, the one suitable to the Shia faith would be taught.
In Sunni majority areas, the curriculum would be taught as itis.
In the areas where there is a mixed population, the curriculum would specify the faith of both the sects
If Fasad is not what we want, then the above agreement shall be implemented.
Two nation theory was a joke. There should have been more than 100 nations in this wild west of united india. Unfortunately I am an embarrased Pakistani, who loves his country.
Quran says" There is no compulsion in the religion", then why are you enforcing your opinion on others.
The most ridiculous statement "we shall go to iran" go on no one is stopping you.These fanatics backed by saudi arabia should be eliminated from the face of the earth
And it is Malik again, trying to ignite hatred !!!
Now some live counter strike....
He said that four months after the incident took place, Maulana Tariq was murdered and then leader of the Shia community Ziauddin Rizvi was one of the accused nominated in the case.
Maulana Ziauddin Rizvi was assassinated as well. Maulana Ziauddin Rizvi wrote a book name Sahaba in which he used the latest version of Sihah Sitta showing the companions whom this ASWJ terrorist organization is protecting.
While the ASWJ is probably distorting facts to suit their malign interests, if the GB govt is actually doing this then that is also wrong.
Sahabas names should be included in the cirriculum. Sahabas and ahle baits are muslims. First three Caliphs did not do any thing against Quran and Sunnah.
this is not a good act. Sahabas names should be included in the cirriculum.
The wonders of the 18th amendement - Raza Rabbani and Co. have a lot to answer for.
Syllabus making should be a federal subject to avoid such issues.
@Ahmed: No! The question is why compulsory Islamiat is taught on the first place! Pakistan would be much more peaceful without it (as it was before Islamiat was made mendatory).
No doubt that we get so many negative responses. As always, the wrong issue picked up in the comments: ASWJ's conduct. Sorryfully, the main issue of removal of names of the companions of Prophet (PBUH) has been overshadowed. In my opinion, it is all because of the partisan and flawed compilation of the news report which does not reflect the real issue. We do not read any comments of the leaders of the Shia community from G-B. We also do not read any comments by the relevant officials of the G-B Education Ministry. Indeed, it is very bad reporting!!!
@Ahmed: Shouldn't we be asking why G-B Shias and Ismailis were forced to read books eulogizing the religious personalities whom their school of thought (fiqh) doesn't regard as sacred as Sunnis do !
Let madarassa teach the religion and school teach other subjects. separation of religion and state is more important in a religious countries than in secular countries as the heads of govts are incapable and authoritarian most of the time.
I think all the companions of the prophet should be respected ie. Hazrat Abu Bakar, Hazrat Usman, Uazrat Umer, and Hazrat Ali. And disrepcting anyone of them should be considered illegal.
ASWJ Wahabis, please speak for yourself only.
Do not bring the majority of Pakistan's Sunnis into this conflict.
i am Shia and it is necessary for shia to respect Sahaba. these terrorist are promoting agenda of Saudis to destabilize the Pakistan. some one please inform them that Pakistan was created by a shia muslim Named Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Pakistan is an Islamic Republic which is governed by the laws of Islam and sayings of the Prophet Muhammah S.A.W. So names of the companions of the Prophet can never by taken out from the text books. This is ridiculous to accept the majority of the state's claim as other majorities elsewhere would unbalance the over curriculum of the schools. It was an Islamic Republic and would remain an Islamic Republic
@muhammad zeeshan:
There were differences amongst Muslims over Sahabas for over 1400 yrs. Battle of Sifeen and Battle of Camel (Jamal) were fought between followers of Ali and followers of Aisha/Muwiya. It's better to remove the names of the campanions altogether from text books and it should be left to parents to teach their kids about Islamic history at home.
why study religion in schools ?
Shia are already 30 percent of the population of Pakistan, despite the absence of a census for long. They have every right to teach their children as they see fit.
More power to Gilgit Baltistan! I hope they successfully change their curriculum in the face of threats from these terrorists!
Who is doing hate preaching behind close doors???? Everyone knows...
"Usmani further said that being a Sunni-majority state, Pakistan should protect the interests of the Sunni community" - since when do the majority need protection? from what? the 2% minority? we never cease to amuse ourselves!
@faraz: Majority of people (even many people here) are not aware of War Jamal and Siffin! We need to add some very important historical facts in the syllabus so that our sunni brothers also come to know the reality of Islamic history!
This is what happens when people in majority try to impose their religious beliefs on a minority.This incident is very comdemnable but equally condemnable was the 1974 decision of declaring a minority muslim sect a non muslim minority..Hope they can understand what it feels like to be on the recieving end..But this is a very condemnable incident indeed...That is why i believe we should never study Islamiat in school...It should be left to be home tutored
Shouldn't we ALL be asking why the sahabas names are being removed by the gilgit baltistan govt?
I like the way pakistan is going .This in science called mutation .Once two nation theory started it would have impulses to mutate more and muslims are the only religious people who call for one Ummah and caliphate creation and outsiders can watch this process of push and pull and learn more about islam.
No one has demanded to remove the names of the companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him and His Family) from the curriculum. I don't expect ET to make such gross simplifications on a delicate issue because it furthers hatred in our already divided society.
the gilgit baltistan govt. should realise that it was elected by the people to represent all the people and not just one sect.The ppp has its chief minister in GB,the ppp claims that it represents all of pakistan,so ppp should not take measures which will reduce it to being a sectarian organisation.Removing the names of the sahabas from the school books at the demand of one sect is something the ppp's chief minister should not be a part of.
Pakistan was created as Muslim majority nation.Now demand is for Sunny majority.Shias,Deobandis,Barelvis and so on.When is it going stop? You are trying to annihilate each other.Why this silent majority is in perpetual silence?
Curriculum should be designed in such a way that no sect have any objection
@MUNIB: correction : It is not HOLY PROPHET, it is HOLY PROPHET (PBUH). Don't commit Blasphemy else you will have to be eliminated
ridiculous. Sahabas and Ahl-e-bait are most respected in all sects.
"if that is not done, then the ASWJ will go to Iran, a Shia-majority country and demand for rights for the Sunni community."
wasn't SSP against Sunnis (Barelvis) too???
BTW you are more than welcome to go there and fight for the rights of wahabis (if there are any)
Has ASWJ heard of the battle of Jamel and Saffin?
Why are the sahabas names being removed by the gilgit baltistan govt?
True.........thats pathetic to exclude Sahaba e Karam Rizwan Allah Ta'ala Alaihim Ajmain from the textbooks.............. its decisions like these that raise the sectarian conflicts.............
Cruel Murderers Who spill innocent blood in the name of religion are fat liars.
Curriculum should be designed such that it cater all the sects
Kindly remove this news piece...It promotes hatred as it expresses hatred views of ASWJ
Its so funny that these self made thekdarz of ISLAM act as if they "own" the companions of the HOLY PROPHET. These companions are respected by all sects in ISLAM and even the non muslims so hopefully the exploitation in the name of defending the companions will fail ONCE AGAIN .
Pak MULLAHz always need one pretext or other to keep their "thekedari shop" open. These ASWJ people are exploiting the emotions of peace loving sunniz in GB for their vested interests all over PAKISTAN especially their links with jihadiz and the recent ban of gov on ASWJ. Because they dont have any argument to defend , they decided to do what they are doing best in 1400 years i.e to exploit and cash hate-emotions among peaceful shiz and peaceful sunniz.
Ugly mobs
" ... LAHORE: Ahle-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), while making a pledge to ensure that “Gilgit-Baltistan remains a Sunni province”, ... "
I thought GB is predominantly Shia.
ASWJ will soon demand to rename our country as "Sunni Republic of Pakistan" ,,,, shia state , sunni state ,,, i mean seriously are these guys gone nuts .... being shia is becoming a crime in Pakistan .... n for heaven sake what does Iran has to do with this ....
I thought this terrorist group ASWJ/SSP was banned !
They should remove religious education from the curriculum. This will give everyone the right to bellyache about it, how is that for an equal opportunity?
"if that is not done, then the ASWJ will go to Iran, a Shia-majority country and demand for rights for the Sunni community."
Who is barring you from going to Iran??? Hurry up, Iranians are awaiting you :)
Everyone must respect the creed of others'. One must know about the history eveb if it pertains to the enemies!
As a Shia majority province G-B has every right to change the curriculum.