Pakistan's self-inflicted suffering comes from an education system that, like Saudi Arabia's system, provides an ideological foundation for violence

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200901152074.htm


*News Update Service*
Thursday, January 15, 2009 : 2045 Hrs
*For Pakistan's kids, 'J' is for jehad, 'B' for 'bandook'*
Islamabad (PTI): Thousands of Pakistan's schoolgoing children are growing up
learning that the Urdu equivalent of the letter A stands for Allah, B for
'bandook' (gun) and J for 'jehad'.
Though not officially prescribed for pre-schoolers, books printed by Iqra
Publishers are being used in several regular schools and madrassas across
Pakistan.
The three examples of Allah, 'bandook' and jehad are not the only ones which
sound like a "blueprint for a religious fascist state".
The Urdu letter for the T sound stands for 'takrao' (collision), K for
'khunjar' (dagger), H for 'hijab' (veil) and Z for 'zunoob' (sins) – which
includes watching television, playing musical instruments and flying kites.
According to the National Bureau of Curriculum and Textbooks, Class 5
children are expected to "acknowledge and identify forces that may be
working against Pakistan","make speeches on jihad and shahadat", "understand
Hindu-Muslim differences and the resultant need for Pakistan", "India's evil
designs about Pakistan" and "demonstrate by actions a belief in the fear of
Allah", said a report in Newsline magazine.
In an article titled "The Saudi-isation of Pakistan", renowned physicist
Pervez Hoodbhoy argued that "a stern, unyielding version of Islam is
replacing the kinder, gentler Islam of the Sufis of Pakistan".
"Pakistan's self-inflicted suffering comes from an education system that,
like Saudi Arabia's system, provides an ideological foundation for violence
and future jihadists," he wrote.