Agenda setting: PM orders curriculum overhaul for schools

HEC has been tasked with implementing the directives

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to make amendments in the curriculum of compulsory subjects, such as Pakistan Studies, English and Urdu, of all schools, colleges and universities, after due consultation and approval of the provincial governments.

According to a hand-out issued by PM Office on Thursday, the proposed amendments will include chapters aimed at promoting the appreciation of the constitutional democracy for the country’s progress. It will also include merits of pluralism in international and national context.

The new curriculum will strengthen the knowledge base of students to counter misunderstandings surrounding constitutional democracy, the statement claims.

“It will also help to enhance appreciation of modes of accountability like judicial oversight, media, freedom of speech, right to information and elections,” it stated.

To achieve these objectives, the PM Office has directed the HEC to coordinate with academics, universities and publishers to develop, within two months, grade-appropriate material.

This content will include fables, essays, speeches, teaching guides, extra-curricular activities, examinations and other relevant interventions, for all classes from the earliest years to the university level. The curriculum is for both public and private institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2014.