Senate Passes Bill Making Arabic Language Compulsory In Educational Institutions

Senate approved a bill for compulsory Arabic language education in educational institutions proposed by PML-N Senator Javed Abbasi

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member Javed Abbasi introduced a bill in the Senate to make the Arabic language compulsory in educational institutions, which was passed.

The text of the bill says that Arabic should be taught from the first to the fifth grade and Arabic grammar should be taught from the sixth grade to the eleventh grade.

Earlier, a bill for compulsory Arabic language education in educational institutions was tabled in the Senate for approval, stating that the concerned minister would ensure implementation of the bill in six months.

Senator Javed Abbasi said that Quran and prayers are recited in Arabic, Arabic is the fifth largest language in the world and the official language of 25 countries.

He said that he is also in favour of teaching other languages including Russian, English, Spanish.

Earlier, Lahore High Court directed the Chief Secretary, Secretary Education, and Chairman Higher Education to assure Quranic teachings compulsory in their curriculum from 2021.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed heard Altamash Saeed’s intra-court appeal.

Advocate General Punjab Ahmed Owais appeared for the Punjab government while Chairman Punjab Textbook Board Lt. Gen. (retd) Muhammad Akram and other officials appeared before the court.

Lawyer Aneeq Ali Khatana appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner.

The petitioner in its appeal stated that despite the lapse of three years, the Punjab Compulsory Teaching Holy Quran Act is not being implemented.

The appeal sought that the court quashes the single bench’s application and order that the teachings of the Holy Qur’an be made an integral part of the curriculum in educational institutions.

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