Balochistan Assembly Approves Compulsory Arabic in Primary Schools

QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution advocating for the introduction of basic Arabic as a mandatory subject in all government primary schools across the province. This decision, made on Friday, aims to enhance students’ understanding of commonly used Quranic terms and their meanings, fostering a deeper comprehension of the Holy Quran from an early age.

The resolution, proposed by JUI-F MPA Shahida Rauf, emphasizes the need for a standardized curriculum that encompasses basic Arabic vocabulary, grammar, and frequently used Quranic expressions. Rauf highlighted that equipping students with these skills would not only enrich their religious education but also contribute to their overall linguistic development.

In light of this initiative, the assembly underscored the necessity for qualified teachers, quality textbooks, and effective teaching materials, alongside a robust monitoring system to ensure successful implementation. The resolution suggests a phased approach to the rollout, tailored to accommodate students’ ages, cognitive abilities, and educational requirements, with regular assessments of its progress.

During the assembly session, MPA Dr Abdul Malik Baloch recalled previous legislation from 2013 aimed at promoting education in local languages. He urged the provincial government to implement this law in conjunction with the newly proposed Arabic curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive educational framework that respects cultural diversity while enhancing religious literacy.