Teaching of Pakistan Studies

Published February 9, 2010

PAKISTAN Studies is a subject that aims at enhancing students' knowledge about history, culture and geography of Pakistan and to inculcate patriotism in the hearts of students so that they may become a good citizen.

Although Pakistan Studies is a compulsory subject from Class IX up to the university level, it is an astonishing fact that many of the students are unaware of important historical figures and events.

Even if they know some, it's just the names of some of the famous personalities and not the details about their achievements, life and causes of success or downfall.

The books on Pakistan Studies of different levels cover the topics which are repeated in all of them.

There is no need to teach about those selected topics at each level. Instead the need is to include more topics, which could be informative, as well as beneficial, for the students.

Besides history, there should be topics of current issues and problems which our country is currently facing.

Human rights and its importance must be taught to eradicate social evils and problems which our country is facing.

Moreover, the content presented in the book should not mould students to become narrow-minded and parochial. Aims should be to open the faculty to accept past follies and learn to rectify the mistakes.

This would create enlightenment in students and encourage them to get what their ancestors did not achieve.

It is highly important that textbooks are free from indoctrination and any kind of bias or stereotyping and should give actual facts and figures.

This does not mean that textbooks should only contain facts and figures, rather they should be presented in an interesting way so that students enjoy learning and reading books.

It should create and develop interest towards the subject and help widen their outlooks and open new vistas of knowledge. There should be a variety of questions, as well as activities, for learners so that they can learn with fun.

References and sources must be given in the books for further study.

I hope the implementation of suggestions will be beneficial in attaining the objectives of teaching of Pakistan Studies. Authorities concerned should do the needful.

MUNIR MEHBOOB ALI
Karachi

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