27/02/2026
“National Symposium on Education Calls for Urgent Textbook Reforms and Inclusive Education in Pakistan”
Islamabad, February 25 2026 - The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF), in collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) organized national dialogue on Textbook Reforms and Inclusive Education in Islamabad.
The Education Symposium brought together policymakers, parliamentarians, educationists, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives.
The symposium focused on examining Pakistan’s education system through a constitutional and child rights lens, particularly in light of Article 25-A, which guarantees free and compulsory education, and Article 22(1), which protects children from being compelled to receive religious instruction other than that of their own faith.
In her welcome address, Ms. Michelle Chaudhry, President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation, underscored the importance of aligning textbooks and curricula with constitutional values of equality, dignity, and pluralism. She highlighted CICF’s sustained work on education reform, including extensive research examining textbook content across subjects to assess its compliance with child rights standards and principles of non-discrimination. She noted that education must serve as a tool for unity and social cohesion rather than division.
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of NCRC, in her opening remarks, reiterated the Commission’s mandate to safeguard the rights of children and stressed the need for child-centered policies in all sectors, particularly education. She observed that inclusive education is central to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that no child feels marginalized within the learning environment.
A panel discussion on textbook reforms and children’s rights brought together prominent experts from academia, minority rights advocacy, and curriculum development. The discussion examined existing gaps in textbook content, the representation of diverse communities, and the broader impact of educational narratives on social harmony.
Panelists included Dr. A. H Nayyer, Mr Pirbhu Satyani, Dr Tabbasun Naz, Dr. Afshan Huma and moderator Ms Zeeba Hashmi called for transparent review mechanisms, greater stakeholder engagement in curriculum development, and the integration of human rights education within mainstream subjects.
A subsequent session focused on inclusive education in Pakistan, highlighted the structural and social barriers faced by marginalized groups, including religious minorities, girls, and economically disadvantaged children.
The panel was moderated by Ms. Maham Afridi and included experts like Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Dr. Gulab Khilji and Dr. Riaz Sheikh. The speakers emphasized the need for systemic reforms to ensure equitable access to quality education, safe learning environments, and content that reflects Pakistan’s diverse social fabric.
The panels were followed by keynote address by Mr. Kaeso Mal Khael Das, Minister of State for Religious Affairs, and Senator Danesh Kumar, who outlined the government’s perspective on ongoing reforms and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening curriculum standards and oversight mechanisms.
The seminar concluded with remarks from education expert Dr. Khadim Hussain who summarized the deliberations and stressed that education policy must remain firmly rooted in constitutional principles and international human rights commitments.
He called for collaborative efforts among government institutions, statutory bodies, academia, and civil society to ensure sustainable and impactful reform.
Dr. Hussain then presented a strong declaration of commitments and demands for curriculum reforms and inclusive education that were endorsed by all participants.
Media Cell
The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF)
Lahore – Pakistan
Email: [email protected]
