Punjab to add Marka-i-Haq to textbooks

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to incorporate content on Marka-i-Haq, the four-day conflict between Pakistan and India, into the academic curriculum and to produce films centred on the episode and national unity.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Information Steering Committee chaired by Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari in Lahore on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the move is aimed at promoting patriotism among young people. She said,

"To instil a spirit of patriotism among the younger generation, the content related to Marka-i-Haq will be incorporated into the academic curriculum. Besides, the programmes related to it (Marka-i-Haq) and national unity would be held in private educational institutions with the same enthusiasm as that of the public," the minister said.

The conflict referred to by the provincial government took place in May last year and was described as one of the most serious military escalations in recent years between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The tensions began after a militant attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based elements. Islamabad rejected the allegation.

The confrontation included artillery exchanges along the Line of Control, drone activity, missile strikes and aerial engagements. Pakistan had said it shot down several Indian fighter aircraft.

Films and stage production planned

At the meeting, it was also decided that films highlighting Marka-i-Haq and national cohesion would be produced through the Film Fund in an effort, officials said, to reinforce the national narrative.

In addition, a special play based on the life and sacrifice of Shaheed Liaquat will be staged under the Alhamra Arts Council. On Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari posthumously conferred the Sitara-i-Shujaat on Muhammad Liaqat, a former railway employee who thwarted a suicide attack in Attock, according to an official announcement carried separately.

The steering committee also asked the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations to continue visiting educational institutions for what it described as the intellectual and ideological guidance of students.

Muharram monitoring cell

With Muharram approaching, Bokhari directed the relevant departments to step up action against hate material and inflammatory content.

She said the information department and home department would jointly set up a special monitoring cell to keep watch over social media activity during the period.

"The information department and home department will jointly establish a special monitoring cell to keep strict vigilance over social media. No form of provocation or hate speech will be tolerated during Muharram. Elements spreading mischief on social media will be immediately identified and dealt with through strict legal action. The special cell will also ensure timely dissemination of accurate information to curb rumours," the minister said.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, Additional Secretary Home Maham Asif, Deputy Secretary Finance Shehzad Hotiana and Director Law Shahid Imtiaz.

Separately, an exhibition of artwork from a painting competition titled Marka-i-Haq was held at the Alhamra Arts Council in tribute to the Pakistan armed forces. More than 40 pieces were put on display. Huzaila Zahid won first position, Shehzadi Ayesha came second and Zara Hanif secured third place.