Discontent: 1,500 teachers’ jobs in jeopardy as govt mulls ending theology classes

Very likely that the issue will be exploited by extremists to gain sympathies of people A religious scholar Nazir Ayub

SWAT:

The union of theology teachers (Tanzeemul Ulema Swat) has vowed to resist the elimination of theology classes from government middle schools in Swat.

The government intends to eliminate theology classes from government schools, which will leave at least 1,500 theology teachers jobless.

“We have performed our duties with sincerity. It is strange that the government wants to abolish this subject,” said Mian Noor Badshah, the union’s president.

Swat valley witnessed a dark period in  history, during which militants forced people to submit to their rule in the name of religion.

The government’s decision has also created a sense of disappointment among local people, who have termed the decision as unwise.

“It is important that the true essence of religion is taught,” said Nazir Ayub, a religious scholar.

“The government’s decision is likely to be exploited by extremists to gain people’s sympathies,” he added. When the education department was contacted, an official who requested anonymity, said a final decision is yet to be made.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2012.