Punjab Bans Social Studies Books with Incorrect Map of Pakistan

Private schools have been directed by the Multan District Education Authority to cross off certain social studies books from their curriculum due to the use of an inaccurate map of Pakistan.

The order was passed earlier by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB).

Following this, a letter was sent out to the district education officer by the Multan DEA chief executive officer (CEO) to make sure the orders are followed. The letter’s subject read:

The books on social studies for class II, IV, V, VII and VIII being taught in the Educators Schools banned by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board Lahore.

According to the PCTB, the social studies book for grades II, IV, V, VII and VIII had controversial/objectionable content, especially the false depiction of the map of Pakistan. Earlier, all the DEA CEOs were ordered to ban books with the incorrect maps.

The PCTB also issued out a notification to ban them and to file a criminal case against the administration of the school and the publisher and producer of the book.

The notification is as follows:

These books are hereby banned by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board, Lahore, on the basis of having objectionable and controversial material and have not been approved by the PCTB for the use in educational institutions in any form under Section (10) of the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board Act, 2015.

The Act forbids anyone from printing, publishing, selling or prescribing a textbook in any institution without the approval of the board.

It should be mentioned that books by foreign publishers usually feature the wrong map of Pakistan, either in a deliberately or non-deliberate manner. The most common error with these books is showing the map of Pakistan without Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the school administration claimed that the books have been removed from their curriculum.

One of the spokespersons informed that the issue was raised months ago and was resolved back then.

Via: Academia, Image via edubirdie