Malala seems to be in the middle of a controversy once again and this time it’s causing crackdowns on book stores throughout Punjab.
It was reported on Monday that a grade 7 social studies book was being confiscated by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) for including Malala’s image beside that of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed in the list of important personalities in Pakistan. The list includes Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan, etc. Moreover, it is allegedly being reported that the book’s publisher, OUP, published the book without being issued the NOC and that is another reason for the crackdown.
Those Who Think This Is Ludicrous
Many on Twitter are questioning the obsession with Malala. Whenever there’s anything about her in the media it causes a lot of public scrutiny and backlash in Pakistan. However, this time many Pakistanis are questioning the treatment of our Nobel laureate and are wondering out loud the need for the seizure of the grade 7 textbook.
Parents Who Believe Malala Is A Good Role-model
Then there are parents who believe that Malala is a great role model for their kids because of her philanthropic efforts and her key role in furthering education in the remote parts of Pakistan through the Malala Fund.
Others Who Are Outraged To See Her Portrayed As A National Hero
However, some still believe she’s a co-conspirator for the West in furthering their “anti-Pakistan” agenda. They are furious to see her included in the list of National heroes and are applauding the efforts of the PCTB in seizing the copies.
Let’s Wait For The Official Clarification
Since it’s still early to believe in hearsay, as no official statement has been made by the PCTB, it is best to wait.
Have your say and tell us what you think? Should we not get a chance to know what’s inside the text book before we cancel, or accept it as part of the curriculum?
