Dr. Farooq Adil calls for national curriculum updates to include founding leaders

What happened

At a ceremony organized by the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) Trust at Aiwan-e-Quaid, intellectual Dr. Farooq Adil, a member of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, expressed concern that the national curriculum lacks references to Pakistan’s national heroes [1, 2]. He stated that the current curriculum leaves younger generations largely unaware of the sacrifices and contributions of the country’s founding leaders [1]. Dr. Adil stressed the need to restore Pakistan’s intellectual and ideological direction, noting that while modern education provides global perspectives, it gives insufficient attention to national history and heritage [1, 2].

The event commemorated the death anniversary of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan [1, 2]. During the ceremony, several speakers highlighted his specific contributions:

• Professor Khalid Jilani Tawana described Liaquat Ali Khan’s role in presenting and securing the adoption of the Objectives Resolution as a landmark for the country’s ideological direction [1, 2].
• NPC Trust Chairman Mian Muhammad Javed noted his close association with Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his efforts to protect minority rights through an agreement with India [1, 2].
• Syed Zaheer Gilani discussed his role in managing refugee rehabilitation and economic challenges, specifically mentioning the “Poor Man’s Budget” he presented as finance minister [1, 2].
• Daud Kaif recalled that Liaquat Ali Khan provided his residence in Delhi to be used as Pakistan’s embassy [1].
• Tazeen Akhtar addressed the political challenges of establishing Pakistan and the Prime Minister’s role in navigating them [1].
• Afshan Abbasi described him as a sincere companion of Quaid-i-Azam [1].
• Hameed Qaiser, the event host, stated that the NPC Trust has a responsibility to familiarize youth with the lives and sacrifices of national heroes [1].

Separately, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated a photographic exhibition at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) to mark the 75th death anniversary of Liaquat Ali Khan [3]. The minister stated that the National Heritage and Culture Division considers familiarizing younger generations with national history a key priority [3]. Samia Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister’s great-granddaughter, attended the exhibition as the guest of honour [3].