Hateful content to be removed from textbooks: Sardar Shah

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah has announced a comprehensive review of textbooks for the academic year 2025-26 to align them with modern, inclusive educational standards.

During a meeting he chaired at the Sindh Textbook Board (STBB) in Jamshoro on Tuesday, Shah highlighted the importance of identifying and removing any hateful content while fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual respect through education.

He stressed strengthening the role of the Directorate of Curriculum, Assessment & Research in developing textbooks that cater to students’ mental, physical, emotional and social growth. “Education must go beyond the transmission of information; it should inspire students to become positive and conscientious individuals.”

He stressed the need for reforms in the STBB, proposing that its functions be limited to printing, designing and distributing books. He revealed that there is a proposal under consideration to turn the board into a company under the Companies Act to improve its efficiency.

He directed the inclusion of lessons in textbooks that foster creative thinking while eliminating any content that promotes hate. He stressed the importance of integrating the history of Sindh, its heroes and notable figures into the curriculum to help students connect with their cultural identity. “It’s crucial to educate students about Sindh’s historical identity as a land of peace, tolerance and unity. The curriculum must teach respect for all religions.”

He also instructed STBB Chairman Pervaiz Ahmed Baloch to expedite the printing process for the upcoming academic year without any delays to ensure the timely availability of textbooks. “This move aims to provide students with books that promote inclusivity, respect and holistic development.”