LAHORE, MAR 14, (DNA) – The Punjab government on Tuesday denied reports that a new education policy was launched to promote Hijab in state-run educational institutions.

“This is absolutely WRONG news … No such policy announced by Government of the Punjab …,” a statement by the Punjab government said.

“5% marks for Hijab students is absolutely WRONG news… Academic excellence only based on MERIT.. It’s clear policy of the Govt of Punjab.”

The denial came shortly after media quoted Punjab Higher Education Minister Raza Ali Gillani saying that female students would get 5 marks for wearing hijab.

The minister also proposed that teachers would be asked to start their class by reciting a Hadith.

The proposal caused an outrage on social media.

Assefa Bhutto Zardari, sister of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also questioned the rationale behind the decision.

“And what will the boys do? What will students of a different religion do? Why does wearing a Hijab impact grades/marks ?!,” Assefa tweeted.

Pakistani rapper and comedian Ali Gul Pir also condemned the decision.

“@GovtOfPunjab decides to giv 5 marks to students who wear hijab.Wat abt boys?Can Saleem wear a scarf n get marks?Wat abt non Muslim stdnts?,” he tweeted.=DNA

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