Sindh introduces religious studies curriculum for minority students

KARACHI: The Sindh government to protect minority rights in Pakistan, has begun implementing a religious education curriculum for students belonging to minority faiths. The federal government funded the printing of religious education textbooks for grades 1 to 5, covering Hinduism and Christianity. Books for other minority religions, including Zoroastrianism and Sikhism, are reportedly under development.

According to Dr Fawzia Khan, Chief Adviser Curriculum for the Department of School Education, highlighted the initiative’s aim to replace a single “religious studies” subject with a curriculum dedicated to each religion’s specific teachings.

She acknowledged challenges, including the recruitment of qualified teachers to deliver this curriculum across all grade levels. The government is reportedly working on a solution, potentially allowing students from several schools to attend combined evening classes facilitated by their communities or parents.

The National Curriculum Council’s Director, Dr Maryam Chaghtai, emphasized Pakistan’s unique position in offering religious education specifically tailored to minority faiths. She noted the curriculum encompasses seven religions: Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Baha’i, and Kalasha faith.

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Dr Chaghtai addressed the historical exclusion of minority students in religious education classes, where they were often expected to participate in lessons unrelated to their own beliefs.

The initiative comes amidst ongoing efforts to rebuild schools damaged by recent floods in Sindh. Additional Secretary Abdul Qadeer Ansari reported that nearly 20,000 schools were affected by the floods, disrupting the learning process for many students. The government is reportedly working on reconstruction and repair efforts. INP