A publisher had recently submitted a science textbook to the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) for future use in schools.
After the review of the book that contained a picture of Sir Isaac Newton, a comment by the PCTB suggested that the picture “be edited to add a scarf on her head, so as to observe proper purdah”.
Since then, the comment has sparked debate on social media platforms, calling out the academic policymakers for their ignorant comment.
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An explanation by researcher, Dr. Ayesha Razzaque, that was published in The News read:
Some time back, a publisher submitted a science textbook to the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) for review and approval for use in schools. On one of the pages was a picture of Sir Isaac Newton next to a tree, depicting the scientific legend of the moment an apple fell from the tree that would inspire him to discover the law of gravitation. In that picture Newton was shown wearing a long garment and maybe long hair or a wig, as was fashionable for that era. One of the comments from the PCTB’s review of this book was that the ‘lady’ in the picture be edited to add a scarf on her head, so as to observe proper purdah. True story!
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Following this incident, if you ever see an image of Sir Isaac Newton adorned with a traditional dupatta on the pages of a PTCB-circulated book, you will know whom to thank.
