Unraveling the Threads of Extremism: Historical Echoes in Pakistan's Education

By Manoj Kumar

In the global academic landscape, extremism's emergence in educational environments presents a disquieting trend. From the brutal onslaught at Kenya's Garissa University College in 2015 to the terror-inflicted assault on Pakistan's Bacha Khan University in 2016, learning hubs have unexpectedly become ideological battlefields. Extremism, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural divides, has permeated diverse regions, turning educational platforms into nurseries of radical thought.

Diving into a panoramic view, the rise of extremism within academic walls is a complex issue, with roots extending deep into global geopolitical shifts, economic inequities, and religious schisms. The infusion of extremist ideologies in Middle Eastern educational systems, especially in volatile territories such as Iraq and Syria, is deeply linked to the region's conflict and political unrest. Exploiting academic infrastructures by entities like ISIS for ideological indoctrination underlines the gravity of the problem.

Pakistan's partition from India in 1947 was marked by communal violence and religious strife. This historical backdrop has significantly influenced Pakistan's national narrative and, consequently, its education system. Following the partition, Pakistan's education system, mainly its history textbooks, has often been accused of promoting a narrow, divisive perspective. Scholar Rubina Saigol points out that Pakistani books emphasize Pakistan's Islamic identity while downplaying its South Asian roots.

Another aspect to consider is Pakistan's disparity between public and private education. Private schools usually follow a more progressive curriculum than public schools, which often adhere to a traditional curriculum. This disparity might lead to unequal exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives. Renowned educationist, Baela Raza Jamil, has also shed light on the issues of rote learning and exam-oriented teaching in Pakistan, which can stifle critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. 

Turning the lens towards Pakistan, a nation grappling with extremism in its educational institutions for decades. The cradle of the issue is associated with an evolving syllabus, political motivations, and a complex interplay of sociocultural factors.

The Evolving Syllabus

Over time, Pakistan's educational curriculum has also witnessed changes indicative of rising extremism. The introduction of a biased and radical narrative, particularly in the teaching of subjects like Pakistan Studies, has been noted by various researchers. The unchecked incorporation of extremist ideologies within the syllabus, alongside the absence of a counter-narrative, often leaves students vulnerable to radicalism.

K.K. Aziz's seminal work, "The Murder of History," makes an impactful and urgent argument about the propagation of extremist ideology in educational institutions, mainly through manipulating the syllabus. Aziz criticized the revision of history textbooks used in Pakistani schools, colleges, and universities. He asserts that these textbooks present an ideologically skewed, inaccurately homogenous narrative of the nation's history that promotes extremism. They deliberately omit any mention of Pakistan's diverse cultural and religious heritage, fostering a monolithic narrative of the Pakistani identity grounded in extremism.

One such example he provides is the portrayal of the struggle for Pakistan's independence. According to Aziz, the books ignore the sacrifices made by people of other faiths. They also glorify wars and conflicts, such as the Indo-Pakistan wars, while downplaying the significance of dialogue, diplomacy, and coexistence. The role of historical figures is also manipulated in these textbooks. For instance, Aziz mentions the deliberate distortion of historical characters like Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who is portrayed solely as an Islamic leader, erasing his secular viewpoints that he might have held.

Aziz's argument serves as a potent reminder of the potential danger of using education for indoctrination. By altering the syllabus, educational institutes can shape impressionable young minds to view the world through the lens of extremism, perpetuating these ideas in society. 

The Infamous Episodes

During the era of General Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s, Pakistan witnessed a significant change in its educational policy. The introduction of religious content into the school curriculum aimed at promoting the 'Islamization' of the state. Consequently, this policy shift resulted in the emergence of conservative ideologies, which sometimes bordered on extremism within educational institutions.

The year 2014 marked a tragic incident that starkly highlighted the consequences of extremism. The Peshawar school massacre, orchestrated by the TTP, resulted in the loss of more than 140 lives, most of whom were innocent children. This horrifying event served as a chilling manifestation of the extreme ideology that had permeated certain factions within the society.

Another instance is the tragic lynching of Mashal Khan, a journalism student at Abdul Wali Khan University, in 2017. Accused of blasphemy, Khan was brutally murdered my an angry mob. He was never given a fair trial or an opportunity to defend him this incident was a chilling reminder of how extremists misuse laws meant to protect Islam for their personal vendettas.

Constructive Steps Towards a Solution

Despite these challenges, Pakistan has taken commendable steps to curb educational extremism. The National Action Plan (NAP), initiated after the horrific Peshawar school attack in 2014, aimed to crack down on hate speech and extremist material. Pakistan is also working towards an improved and balanced curriculum in collaboration with international bodies. The plan included strategies to reform madrassas (Islamic schools), many of which became hubs for radical ideology. Moreover, it proposed educational system changes to promote diversity and tolerance.

Various NGOs and social organizations in Pakistan are working towards promoting peace and tolerance through education. For example, The Citizens Foundation (TCF) is an organization that aims to bring about positive social change through a balanced and tolerant curriculum in their schools.

The educational pursuit fosters broad thinking, rational analysis, and inclusivity, particularly under the veil of extremism. It's critical to continually challenge the provided narratives, forging an everlasting path toward enlightenment. The infiltration of radical ideologies into Pakistan's educational institutions, reflecting a global issue, requires a complex, multi-pronged strategy. It serves as a poignant reminder that education should enhance open-mindedness, acceptance, and critical thinking, rather than acting as a platform for extremist propaganda.

Addressing this issue requires policy adjustments and a societal shift that advocates diversity, critical thinking, and equal educational opportunities. The change must support variety, champion critical thinking, and ensure that education remains a catalyst for acceptance and expansive thinking rather than a breeding ground for extremist ideologies.