To write this answer with the utmost honesty and sincerity, it was more important to see what is being taught to our students. Those who don't know, social studies is an alternative subject of History in Pakistan. This is what I found when I visited a Punjab textbook board’s website to verify such claims.
After looking at these contents,
I would definitely say there is a positive change that can be further improved
with the passage of time.
Some positive takeaways +
Feedback:
The chapter starts with a brief
introduction of Harrapa and Indus Valley Civilization.
There is a brief discussion of
the Aryan invasion of Punjab. Being an Aryan + student of history, I understand
this is one of the most controversial subjects which can be further modified or
improved with the passage of time.
A brief discussion of Gautam
Buddha and Buddhism. I still remember there was a dedicated chapter of Buddha
in my 4–5th standard book in Urdu which I’m unable to find online. There are
long history and legacy of Buddhism in Pakistan so I appreciate such efforts to
have a discussion of Buddha and Buddhism in our curriculum books.
The best part when I found Raja
Poru and the people of Punjab are being praised for their resistance against
Alexander. Now, this is acknowledged that Alexandar was defeated in the battle
of Hydaspes. Seems like they read my answers on history :).
King Ashoka is being introduced
as great King of India which is commendable.
Here are certain things where I
guess we can further improve it.
There is complete silence when it
comes to Kanishka, who is one of my all-time favorite Indian King. Despite
Kanishka was Buddhist, he was famous for his secular and peaceful policies.
This is my feedback that there should be a glimpse of his character and his
contributions in our history to the next edition.
Pardon me there is no discussion
about Gandhara Civilization that ruled northern parts of Punjab. It would have
been better if we had included brief summary of Pushkulavati and Takhkhasilā,
which were capitals of Gandhara Civilization.
Gupta Empire was well versed in
Northern parts of Pakistan and India and I was a bit surprised it was
completely skipped off from textbooks. The historians or authors can reconsider
such changes and include them in the next edition.
There is no discussion of the
Hindu Shahi Dynasty who ruled between 9th-11 Century A.D between Punjab, Khyber
Pakhtoonkhwa and some parts of Afghanistan. The Hindu Shahi dynasty was famous
for its gigantic Hindu temples at Hills of Punjab and KPK (some of them still
exist in Khushab and Dera Ismail Khan).
If I look at the textbooks we
have had in the past, I can definitely say there is a massive improvement.
Pakistan textbooks were under criticism from the last couple of decades in our
mainstream media and as a result, such thing happened. This is why I believe
positive and constructive criticism leads us towards betterment.
Before someone criticizes in the
comment section, please remember it is 4th standard book and children in such
age group only need to know about the basics of ancient history.
~MAK
Note: There are some spelling
mistakes regarding the name of some individuals, languages, and cities in the
screenshots. Please do not remind again and again about such things in the
comments. Please read the answer instead of spellings thanks.
All Credits & References:
Punjab Text Book Board
https://pctb.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/Social%20Studies%204%20E.M.pdf
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