ISLAMABAD, 07 JAN  (DNA) –  President Mamnoon Hussain has directed the Ministry of Education to expedite work for formulation of national curriculum in coordination with all provincial governments, including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Chairing a meeting on revision of syllabus in Islamabad on Thursday, he underscored that the curriculum must promote religious tolerance and understanding to eliminate extremism and strengthen the national fabric.

Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training Engineer Baligh-ur-Rehman, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Dr. Musadiq Malik, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, MNA, were also present during the meeting.

The President emphasized that development of Minimum National Curriculum is very essential because being one nation we should also have one consensus curriculum. The President underscored that the curriculum must promote religious tolerance and understanding to eliminate extremism and strengthen the national fabric.

The national curriculum must also mention national heroes and their struggle and contributions, said Mamnoon Hussain.  The President directed the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training to expedite work for formulation of national curriculum in coordination with all provincial governments including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training Engineer Baligh-ur-Rehman, while briefing the President, said that after the passage of 18th amendment and devolvement of curriculum to the provinces there was a need to evolve a national curriculum and therefore National Curriculum Council (NCC) was established in October 2014 with the concurrence of all provinces. Minister of State apprised that the NCC is in the process of developing Minimum National Curriculum and Minimum National Standards in all subjects for all grades from pre-primary to twelve grades.

Engineer Baligh-ur-Rehman also informed that a project “NCC Secretariat” has been approved and funds have also been allocated for the purpose. He stated that the project envisages conducting research and studies to analyze curriculum, provide professional and technical expertise to the provinces anddevelop minimum standards for quality education in consultation with all stakeholders.

He further said that the 7th Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference is likely to be held next month and approve recommendations in this regard. The curriculum reforms will also lay emphasis on teachers’ training to enhance their skills and capacity, remarked the Minister of State.

Engineer Baligh-ur-Rehman stated that despite the fact that education has been devolved to the provinces the Federal Education Ministry is committed to support, coordinate, integrate and complement efforts of the provinces to achieve world standards in education.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the national curriculum may also include the functions and role of national institutions like Parliament, Judiciary and Executive to build awareness and to strengthen democracy and the federation. DNA