Balochistan Assembly adopts resolution for compulsory Arabic in primary schools

The Balochistan Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution recommending that basic Arabic be taught as a compulsory subject in all government primary schools in the province.

Shahida Rauf, a JUI-F MPA, moved the resolution. She said teaching basic Arabic would help pupils understand Quranic words in common use and their meanings, so that they read the Quran with better understanding from an early age, Dawn reported.

The resolution asked for a simple, standardised, grade-wise curriculum covering basic Arabic vocabulary, grammar and commonly used Quranic words. According to Arab News, it also called for teachers trained in the subject and suitable learning material, with lessons pitched at children's ages and needs.

"Since Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran, basic Arabic language education can help children understand the words and meanings used in the Holy Quran," the resolution said, according to Arab News.

The same report said the resolution argued that schooling should do more than pass on academic knowledge, and should cover religious awareness, values and character building.

Debate in the house went beyond Arabic. Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, a former chief minister of Balochistan, asked that local mother tongues be made compulsory alongside it. "Receiving education in one's mother tongue is the fundamental right of every child," he said, and recalled that a resolution on compulsory mother-tongue teaching had been moved in 2013.

Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani said Quran recitation classes had already been introduced at the primary level and that the government wanted to widen teaching in local languages. She acknowledged that the province did not have the resources needed to bring in mother-tongue instruction, Arab News reported.

Balochistan is the largest province by area, and Balochi, Pashto and Brahui are among the languages spoken there.

The resolution recommends the step to the provincial government. Any change to what government primary schools teach would be decided and funded by the education department.

The assembly's sitting was held on Friday.