July 17, 2021
The writer is an independent education researcher and consultant. She has a PhD in Education from Michigan State University.
Last year, on May 20 (2020), the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) issued a notice to the management of Sunrise Publications for printing and selling a booklet series for pre-primary (3-5 year-olds) titled ‘Infant Mathematics’ without obtaining an NOC. Apparently, it included content the PCTB deemed “detrimental for examination and assessment purposes or repugnant to the injunction of Islam or contrary to the integrity, defence or security of Pakistan, or any part of Pakistan or public order or morality” [sic].
Readers should keep in mind that obtaining an NOC has been a requirement de jure for private textbook publishers for years. However, the PCTB’s lack of capacity to review books and issue NOCs in a timely manner meant that this requirement remained de facto unenforced. But every now and then, when an influential perso
July 16, 2021
LAHORE: Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Muttahida Ulema Board (MUB) Chairman Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has clarified that neither the MUB nor the Punjab Textbook Board issued any directive regarding confiscation of the book containing the picture of Malala Yousafzai among national heroes.
The said book was published without NOC where even the holy Quran canât be published without it, he said while addressing a press conference on Thursday at the Seerat Academy.
He said nobody could be allowed to attack values of the nation, emphasizing that uniform curriculum and national ideology will not be compromised at any cost. He said the Pakistani nation has no shortage of heroes and all those who laid down their lives for the country are its heroes.
Tahir Ashrafi slams 'propaganda', says book with Malala's image banned due to NOC issue geo.tv - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from geo.tv Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
July 6, 2021
LAHORE: Special Aide to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi Monday said that fact-based modern curriculum was being introduced in madrasas.
Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Institute of Quran and Seerat Studies, he said, The Muttahida Ulema Board has no affiliation with any private publisher, as the board reviewed only the books referred to it by the Punjab Textbook Board . The critics should investigate all aspects before criticising the board, he added. Ashrafi said the law-enforcement agencies deserved appreciation for arresting the perpetrators and facilitators of Johar Town blast.
He said that some extremist elements wanted to create unrest and instability in the country ahead of start of holy month of Muharram. He said an FIR had been registered against those who were involved in showing disrespect to religious figures.
July 6, 2021
LAHORE: Special Aide to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi Monday said that fact-based modern curriculum was being introduced in madrasas.
Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Institute of Quran and Seerat Studies, he said, The Muttahida Ulema Board has no affiliation with any private publisher, as the board reviewed only the books referred to it by the Punjab Textbook Board . The critics should investigate all aspects before criticising the board, he added.
Ashrafi said the law-enforcement agencies deserved appreciation for arresting the perpetrators and facilitators of Johar Town blast. He said that some extremist elements wanted to create unrest and instability in the country ahead of start of holy month of Muharram. He said an FIR had been registered against those who were involved in showing disrespect to religious figures.