Authorities in Islamabad have directed immediate removal of a controversial O‑level Pakistan Studies book from bookshops, citing previously imposed national ban.
Officials confirmed the book, The History and Culture of Pakistan by Nigel Kelly, remains available despite prohibition announced by National Curriculum Council in April 2023.
Cambridge representatives stated the book is not endorsed, but acknowledged students rely on it due to absence of officially approved Pakistan Studies texts.
The meeting instructed the Ministry of Education and NCC to coordinate with district administration for strict enforcement of the ban nationwide.
Concerns were raised regarding Chapter 15, which highlights alleged political scandals from the 1990s, prompting authorities to reaffirm prohibition against biased educational material.
Officials emphasised that unproven allegations and distorted historical narratives undermine academic integrity, directing removal of all remaining copies from circulation across the capital.
Lighten School Bags
Meanwhile, the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority introduced a lighter school bags policy, limiting bag weight to ten percent of student body weight.
According to the details, the policy specifies maximum bag weights: 1.5 kilograms for preschool, 2.5 kilograms for grades 1–2, 4.5 kilograms for grades 3–5.
For grades 6–8, the limit is six kilograms, while grades 9–12 are restricted to eight kilograms, ensuring reduced physical burden on students.
Peira also announced strict legal action against unregistered institutions, enforcement raids with district administration, and forensic audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
The authority directed schools to collect tuition fees monthly, forbidding charges beyond twelve‑month academic sessions, and established complaint counters for parental facilitation.
Acting chairperson Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah stated Peira remains committed to transparency, lawful regulation, and promotion of quality education across private institutions.
