Murad vows to purge school and college curricula of hate material

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that he is committed to ensuring access to universal and quality education for all children and youth of Sindh through schools, colleges, technical institutes and universities.

“We will put an end to the abuse of the educational curriculum by removing hate, violence and references to militancy and will incorporate tolerance and respect for diversity,” he said while addressing the 14th convocation ceremony of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) organised at the PAF Museum on Saturday.

Those who were present included Chancellor Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Vice Chairman Aftab Shaban Mirani, Board of Trustees President Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Dr Altaf Mukati, faculty, parents and students.

The chief minister said this prestigious institution was established by his leader, Benazir Bhutto, with the vision to forward the cause of education in Pakistan. “I belong to Sindh and for me the youth of Sindh, young men and women, are the future leaders in all fields of our social, economic, cultural and political life,” he said.

Quoting the message of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto, the founder of SZABIST, he said she had stated: “My message to you, the young generation to whom the torch of leadership will pass, is to focus on education, on health, on social uplift and governance.”

Shah said, “I would like to share with the young graduates here today the words of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: ‘I desire that the vast number of people of Pakistan should acquire technological skills. I want first-class science in Pakistan because nothing less is acceptable. And I wish Pakistan to be increasingly self-reliant in all aspects of technology’.” He said education reforms of his government were guided by the following policy principles:

“We are committed to education for all to eliminate class divides, gender disparities, poverty and unemployment. “We believe that every citizen should be able to realise his/her full potential in society through appropriate educational and vocational skills.

“We will combat obscurantism and promote a forward-looking national outlook based on our progressive indigenous traditions and a positive engagement with science, development and universal values. “We have initiated dialogue with Madrassa councils to modernise their education systems.“We will provide the latest technology and facilities in our institutions to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge and skills to keep pace with the world.”

The chief minister congratulated the graduating students on their successful completion of studies, and said: “You have strived hard to meet the robust challenges set by your institution. I hope the rigors of the academic journey have prepared you well to face the challenges of the practical life.”

He hoped the students would contribute towards societal development. “Our country faces a host of challenges such as environmental degradation, high population growth rate that is outstripping our resources, rapid urbanisation, economic and social inequities, extremism, obscurantism and security concerns.” The CM said he was pleased to learn that more than 1,000 students were graduating today, passing through the threshold of the SZABIST to join the market of highly skilled professionals.