“Children will totally ignore this chapter.”
The inclusion of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her late mother Kulsoom Nawaz in the new Pakistan Studies textbook has sparked debate.
Critics, including PTI leader Shahbaz Gill, alleged misuse of authority by Maryam for self-promotion.
Social media posts, including a widely circulated mock-up of the textbook cover, fuelled claims these claims.
A detailed review of the updated syllabus for the 2025 academic year revealed their inclusion among prominent women.
Their faces were beside esteemed figures such as Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Bilquis Edhi, Arfa Karim, Nusrat Bhutto, and others.
They were recognised for their contributions to Pakistan’s progress.
The section is titled ‘Women’s Contribution to National Development from 1947 till Now’.
It aims to celebrate achievements across various fields, aiming to inspire students, particularly girls.
Maryam Nawaz is acknowledged as Punjab’s first female chief minister.
Meanwhile, Kulsoom Nawaz was recognised for her resistance to General Pervez Musharraf’s dictatorship between 1999 and 2008.
These additions are part of chapter eight of the textbook, which will be used in both public and private schools.
However, the public mocked Maryam Nawaz, claiming she had done nothing that significant to be named besides the likes of Fatima Jinnah.
Critics pointed out that other influential figures, like Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, have been overlooked.
Social media users voiced their discontent, with some accusing Maryam of self-glorification and questioning the exclusion of other deserving women.
A user sarcastically commented: “Children will totally ignore this chapter.”
One said: “Our textbooks should remain free of political bias and focus on unbiased historical narratives.”
Another wrote: “This is Pak Studies, not garage studies. You aren’t teaching a course about running away with your driver.”
One questioned:
“What has she done for our country? Glad I passed 10th grade so I don’t have to study this.”
The Punjab School Education Department confirmed the inclusion of Maryam and Kulsoom alongside other women.
They clarified that the educational intent was to inspire students.
They dismissed claims of exclusivity, clarifying that the textbook features diverse contributions.
Noorul Huda, the department’s spokesperson, stated that the additions reflect a balanced acknowledgement of impactful figures.
Fact-checking revealed the viral mock-up of the textbook cover to be fabricated.
It does not match the online version of the revised textbook.
The updated syllabus, which is still in the printing phase, aims to provide a holistic representation of women’s contributions to Pakistan’s history and development.
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