Revive civics

This refers to the letter ‘Know your rights’ (November 23, 2023) by Basit Kalhoro. The teaching of the legal system in schools is very relevant to our present times and needs. This is something that as an educationalist I have long tried to introduce into our school curricula, though alas, to little avail, as neither the public sector nor private sector schools seem to be interested. Many years ago, when I was a student, we used to have a subject called ‘Civics’ in which we were taught about our basic social rights and responsibilities to make us better and more aware citizens.

I think this subject should be revived and made compulsory in secondary schools in Pakistan and it should be expanded to include basic legal rights and political information and knowledge. I am sure that a simplified common national course outline can be agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders. It would certainly be more useful and practical than the ‘Single National Curriculum’.

Ayesha K Sadozai

Peshawar