New Scheme of Studies Being Launched in Pakistan to Understand Holy Quran
In the first step, this scheme is being launched soon after the summer vacations in 18,000 non-formal schools of the federal government located in different regions and provinces.
Under this scheme, students from class I to V will be taught to read the Holy Quran in Arabic (Nazra). From class VI to XII, the students will be taught translation of the Holy Quran in simple Urdu to understand its meanings.
This scheme is meant for only Muslim students. It is believed that this initiative of the government will help create a much better society in the light of Islamic teachings. Regarding the Urdu translation of the Holy Quran to be taught under this scheme, the Education Ministry in consultation with different religious scholars and Ulema bodies, Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and other concerned is working on including the translation which is generally acceptable to all.
Minister of State for Education Muhammad Baligur Rehman, when contacted, told The News that the scheme has also been shared by the federal Education Ministry with the capital and provincial education authorities for their consideration and implementation.
The minister said the Capital Administration and Development Division is keen to be the first to launch the scheme of studies in its schools and colleges. The provinces, it is said, will take their own decisions but they are desirous of implementing this scheme. This scheme will help students to understand the real meanings of the Holy Quran.
Education is a provincial subject but for the purpose of national cohesion and to evolve consensus national education standards, the federal and provincial governments have already opted voluntarily to set-up National Curriculum Council, which has held several meetings during the last two years.
Baligur Rehman said that following an understanding between the federal and provincial governments, the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers’ Conference (IPEMC) have also met several times during the last two years. The IPEMC, the minister of state said, has also adopted the National Education Standards prepared by the National Curriculum Council.
Despite education being a provincial subject following the 18th Amendment, all the provinces and regions had volunteered to become part of National Curriculum Council. All the provinces have their representation in this council. Sindh has opted to be in the council as observer whereas other provinces and regions have joined the council as members.
According to Balighur Rehman, following the approval of the scheme of studies by the Education Ministry, several private educational institutions have approached the ministry and showed their keenness to implement the scheme in their systems and schools.
Source: The News
