History Being Distorted, Inaccurate, and Omitted

The Case of Pakistani Textbooks

Abstract

The study addresses the distortion, disinformation, or pure omission of history in the textbooks of Pakistan, from which the construction of national consciousness and national identity emanate. Examples of politicization of history will demonstrate that even such events as the Lahore Resolution and independence of Pakistan also suffer heinous distortions to serve time a constricted ideological agenda. Pushed by more or less a religiously nationalistic historiography that largely marginalizes the region's rich multicultural and multi-ethnic heritage, the study presents a similarly homogenized history that conveniently excludes other voices. This research shows how emphasizing a narrative of a homogeneous national past in the current curriculum erases all the richness Pakistan and its history come with. It also elaborates more on the wider social implications of these distortions. A one-dimensional history is presented as a system instilling an educational cult that constrains all serious criticism and debate about history in the nation. The implications are indeed heavy-reinforcing stereotypes in majority communities, addressing the alienation of minorities, and entrenching social and political cleavages. In this paper, the authors argue for comprehensive curricular reforms that entail a great deal of diversity, encourage critical thinking, and truthfully reflect the diverse history of Pakistan. Thus, guaranteeing multiplicity would allow the educational system to be transformed into a progressive instrument sustaining a better-balanced and knowledgeable national identity. For this reason, reforms become necessary in forging a multicultural society respectful of its composite past and future.