Science book confiscated for containing ‘obscene material’

The News 21 Sept 2013 LAHORE: The Punjab government has issued orders to confiscate the science book of class six of Lahore Grammar School (LGS) having obscene material provocative for the youth in sexual sphere. A special department committee, formed on the instructions of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, has submitted the report based on its recommendations after a detailed review of controversial issues in the syllabus of the LGS. These issues include the removal of the subject of compulsory Islamic Studies from the curriculum of class six of LGS and its replacement with the subject of Religious Studies which is tantamount to mislead and confuse the young generation with complexity of topics like comparative study of religions at such a lower level. According to a handout, the orders have been issued through the Punjab Education Department. Meanwhile, addressing a Press conference on Friday the Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said the importance of private sector in promotion of education was quite evident but no one could allow them to misuse this position. He explained that it was complained from various sections of society that the LGS was indulged in teaching obscene material provocative for the youth in sexual sphere. This obscene material was available in the market with the result that the Punjab government had to take action. The minister added that Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan was quite clear about the provision that no Pakistani citizen should be taught a religion other than his own. Similarly, provocation of sexual sentiments was also cognizable under Pakistan Penal Code Section 293 and Section 298, he added. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan reiterated that the Punjab government would not allow anyone to make our youth hostage of foreign mindset by teaching them material having topics which are against our social norms, values and religious beliefs. He announced to constitute a special committee under the convener-ship of Secretary Schools Education Punjab Abdul Jabbar Shaheen which will review the syllabi of all the private sector educational institutions in the Punjab. The minister appealed to the media to identify objectionable material included in the syllabus of any type of school saying the government would take prompt action. Talking to The News Abdul Jabbar Shaheen said the science book being taught at the LGS was Cambridge’s Checkpoint Science 2. He said page 70 of the book under sub-topic was highly obscene which was being taught to small children.