History book banned for controversial material

LAHORE: Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) has banned a Cambridge O-level book for alleged objectionable and controversial material and having no approval from the PCTB.

According to a PCTB notification, the book, “The History & Culture of Pakistan” written by Nigel Kelly, is being used for the Cambridge O-Level Pakistan Studies syllabus and allegedly has objectionable and controversial material.

The notification also reads the book has also not got approved from the PCTB for the use in educational institutions. “The book must not be used as textbook, supplementary reading material, reference book or guide book etc. at any level.

It is to be treated as most important/urgent & strict compliance be ensured,” reads the PCTB’s notification shared with Federal Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education (FBISE) and all the nine BISEs of Punjab and all the 36 COs of District Education Authorities (DEAs) in Punjab. Sources said the book has controversial material vis-à-vis Pakistan Army in connection with East Pakistan tragedy.