Changing course of history: ‘Books have anti-democracy content’

MINGORA: The narrative included in Pakistan Studies textbooks seems to have been written and approved by “anti-democracy” and “anti-Pakistan” elements, said Swat MNA and PTI leader Saleemur Rehman. Speaking at Swat Press Club on Thursday, Rehman said the books should be banned immediately. “Textbooks for Pakistan Studies tell tales of politicians involved in massive corruption, nepotism and rivalry,” argued Rehman. “This leaves a negative impression on young minds, causing them to distance themselves from politics in Pakistan,” he added. He was of the opinion books should not mention the eras of dictatorship, especially those of 2002 and 2003, as Pakistan at the time was run by a military dictator. “There is no need for stories that tell the tales of political instability and corrupt leaderships in Pakistan as that may cause students to dislike Pakistan even more,” said Rehman. In addition, “Educationists and academicians should sit together and come up with new textbook material that is not controversial,” he added. Rehman planned to take the issue to court if a solution is not reached at the provincial level.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2015.