Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif seeks revision of syllabus to instil democratic values

Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to make essential changes in the curriculum of schools, colleges and universities to instil values of constitutionalism and democracy in the country ruled by the military for over half of its history.

The Prime Minister asked the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to make amendments in the curriculum of compulsory subjects like Pakistan Studies, English and Urdu of all schools, colleges and universities, Sharif's office said.

He said the HEC should start consultations with the provinces and get their approval for final changes within two months.

Sharif said the support of academics and publishers should be ensured.

The proposed amendments will include chapters aimed at promoting the appreciation of constitutional democracy and merits of pluralism in the international and national context.

The new curriculum will strengthen the knowledge base of students to counter misunderstandings surrounding constitutional democracy and also help to enhance appreciation of modes of accountability like judicial oversight, media, freedom of speech, right to information and elections.

Analysts say Pakistan's education system is currently heavily influenced by the changes introduced by former military dictator Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, who wanted to create a rightist support base for his military rule.

The Pakistan Peoples Party-led government last year was the first one in Pakistan's history to complete its full term of five years.

In the past, governments have been ousted by the army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history.