Preserve Pakistan Studies

This letter refers to the news report ‘Removal of Pakistan Studies subject varsity teachers’ body writes to president’ (August 21, 2024). I am writing to express my support for the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) and their concerns regarding the recent decision by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to remove Pakistan Studies from the list of compulsory courses in the new BS-level Scheme of Studies introduced in Fall 2023. The FAPUASA president has rightly highlighted the widespread concern this decision has caused among faculty, students, and academic bodies across the country. Although the HEC chairman has indicated that a reversal is forthcoming, the protracted delay in formalizing this change is concerning.

Given the importance of Pakistan Studies in fostering informed and engaged citizens who are knowledgeable of the country’s history, the president must take immediate notice of this situation and order the reinstatement of 'Pakistan Studies' as a compulsory subject in the BS-level curriculum. Such intervention is crucial to preserving the educational standards and cultural identity of our nation.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Karachi