History in Pakistani schools teaching about Muslim rule, Jinnah’s depiction as…, Indian history…

The Pakistan SNC promotes religious content in history and Pakistan Studies.

Pakistan History Syllabus: Every country’s school syllabus is quite extensive. Through it, children are provided information on various aspects including cultural, religious, and national. The history class in Pakistan is very different from that in India. In Pakistani schools, the history syllabus is primarily taught under ‘Pakistan Studies’. It is a mandatory subject.

The Pakistan history syllabus is implemented in different forms from primary level to secondary and higher secondary level (Grade 9-12). Its main objective is to promote national identity, Islamic values, and the story of the creation of Pakistan.

Here we are sharing some information related to the history of Pakistan, as determined by the textbook boards of government schools there and the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, etc.

In most schools in Pakistan, the study of history begins with Muhammad bin Qasim’s invasion of Sindh in 711 AD. This is considered a symbol of the entry of Islam into Pakistan. Some books mention ancient Indian civilizations like the Harappan or Indus Valley civilization, but they are not studied in detail there. Their connection to Pakistani identity is rarely emphasized.

Emphasis on Muslim Rule

The Pakistan school history syllabus focuses on the Mughal era, the Delhi Sultanate, and other Muslim rulers (such as Ghaznavi, Ghauri). These periods are presented as the Islamic Golden Age. There is no mention of Hindu rulers (such as Maurya, Gupta) or non-Muslim history.

During British rule, there is a particular emphasis on Muslim separatism and the creation of Pakistan.

The Pakistan history books focus on these key events:

The 1857 rebellion (referred to as ‘the first war of independence’).

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s educational reforms.

Establishment of the All India Muslim League (1906).

Allama Iqbal’s address in Allahabad (1930).

The Lahore Resolution of 1940.

Jinnah’s role and the partition in 1947.

It is centered around the ‘two-nation theory’, which depicts Hindus and Muslims as separate nations.

History after 1947 mentions constitution-making and key leaders like Liaquat Ali Khan and Ayub Khan. Wars with India (1948, 1965, 1971) and the separation of Bangladesh (1971). Focus on military rule (Zia-ul-Haq, Musharraf) and the restoration of democracy. These events are presented in the context of national pride and external challenges (especially from India).

Pakistani history is linked to Islam’s perspective. There are chapters in history books related to the biographies of Prophet Muhammad and the caliphs. The policy promoting Islamic values and Sharia in education was influenced by General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime in the 1970s and 80s.

Ancient Indian history (Maurya, Gupta, Buddhist period, or Hindu rulers) is almost entirely omitted. The role of Gandhi, Nehru, or Congress in India’s freedom struggle is mentioned minimally or in a negative reference. The contributions of Hindu or Buddhist civilizations are overlooked, making history seem one-sided.

Primary level (grades 1-5): Focused on basic national stories, the arrival of Islam, and heroes like Jinnah.

Secondary level (grades 6-8): Introduction to Muslim rule and the British era, where Hindus may be portrayed as ‘the other’.

Higher secondary (grades 9-12): A comprehensive curriculum that includes the Pakistan movement, constitutional development, and modern history.

The syllabus is prepared based on institutions like the Aga Khan University Examination Board or the Punjab Textbook Board.

The ‘Single National Curriculum’ (Pakistan SNC) implemented in 2021 has promoted religious content in history and Pakistan Studies. It emphasizes the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic history. Efforts have been made to strengthen national unity and Islamic identity.