For interfaith harmony: ‘Inflammatory material should be removed’

Participants of a panel discussion seek revision of school curriculum


Our Correspondent September 12, 2014

PESHAWAR:


Holding the current academic curriculum responsible for creating hostility towards non-Muslims in the country, participants of a discussion panel called for revisions in syllabi by removing such lessons.


The panel discussion titled Religious Freedom and Minorities Rights was held on Wednesday at a local hotel. It had been organised by South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK). Representatives of various political parties and civil society organisations proposed methods of creating interfaith harmony.

Haroon Sarbdiyal, the chairman of the All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement, lamented the government’s negligence towards non-Muslims, saying they (non-Muslims) feel unsafe because of the prevailing situation. He held the present curriculum responsible for creating hatred against non-Muslims, particularly Hindus and Sikhs.

“Our curriculum is our worst enemy and should be revised,” said Sarbdiyal. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Ziaullah Khan Bangash said Pakistan is being defamed by targeting its non-Muslim population and all Pakistanis would have to join hands to foil such efforts.

Incidentally, no Sikh representatives attended the discussion as the minority group remains panicked due to the recent spate of attacks on Sikhs in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2014.

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