The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced a significant change to its undergraduate policy, effectively removing Pakistan Studies as a compulsory subject.
According to reports, the new undergraduate policy, which will be implemented from the new scheme of studies in 2023, no longer includes Pakistan Studies as a mandatory subject in BA, BSc, and all honours degree programs.
This decision has prompted reactions from various academic circles. Representatives of the Federation of All Pakistan Academic Staff Association and the General Secretary of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association, Dr. Amjad Magsi, have expressed concerns.
They highlighted that the subject has been taught at the graduate level for several decades and replacing it with another subject might lead to sensitive apprehensions regarding national sentiments. They urged the HEC to reconsider its decision and restore Pakistan Studies as a compulsory subject at the undergraduate level.
On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Higher Education Commission clarified that universities are not bound by this policy, suggesting that the decision to include or exclude Pakistan Studies from the curriculum may still vary across different institutions.
