Senate committee bans O-level textbook with derogatory remarks

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Education, led by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, expressed strong concerns over derogatory remarks about Pakhtuns found in an O Level Urdu textbook.

The committee reviewed the issue in detail and revealed that the book had already been banned, and the author had submitted a written apology.

Despite these steps, Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan voiced frustration over the book’s continued circulation, emphasizing the federal government’s responsibility in regulating educational material.

In addition, The committee condemned the remarks as hate speech that harms children’s perspectives. Senator Bushra called for the author and publisher to attend the next meeting.

She recommended that the Ministry of Education issue directives to all provinces for the book’s immediate withdrawal. This action would set a precedent for accountability in educational publishing.

The further discussion in the senate committee included funding concerns for the Higher Education Commission’s International Research Support Initiative Programme (IRSIP), with final funding decisions anticipated by December.

The committee addressed concerns ongoing hunger strike by academic staff at Balochistan University over unpaid salaries- Senator Hidayatullah stressed the urgency of dedicating 4% of GDP to education, particularly in Balochistan.

The committee proposed policy changes to differentiate privileges for acting and permanent vice chancellors, urging timely appointments to stabilize university leadership.