The situation almost equals to running an anti-state agenda within the territorial boundaries of the very same state
KARACHI: The changes in the syllabus for refugee camps in Pakistan by the UN High Commission for Refugees have sparked a controversy as these are being seen as anti-state in nature or propagating the agenda of anti-state elements. Of particular concern is the UN commission’s discretion to decide on the syllabus for the children in Pakistan’s Afghan refugee camps. That too without any approval from the provincial and federal education departments. Following the appearance of anti-Pakistan posters on public transport buses in London, this is another instance where education has been used to promote the agenda of enemy elements.
Regardless of the issue at hand, the provincial education department must have the authority to decide on the syllabus and the curriculum for schools in the province, even if they are being operated by an international NGO or the children studying in those schools are not Pakistani nationals. Therefore, the situation almost equals to running an anti-state agenda within the territorial boundaries of the very same state, which is unacceptable by all means and harmful to the national interest.
Hamna Liaquat
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2018.
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