Pakistani schoolbooks teach antisemitic stereotypes and hatred of Israel
Investigating 86-government approved texts, IMPACT-se discovers the Holocaust is omitted entirely and Hitler is praised for restoring German pride
Pakistani schoolbooks portray Jews in a deeply negative light, according to a new study by the International research and policy institute IMPACT-se (Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education).
The review of 86 government-approved textbooks offers a rare insight into how the country’s education system shapes views on religion, democracy, Jews and Israel.
Researchers found recurring hostility toward Jews, with antisemitic tropes embedded in Islamic studies content. Judaism was also omitted entirely from sections on comparative religion.
Israel is framed as a hostile enemy of the Muslim world and the sole aggressor in the current Gaza war. There is no mention of the Holocaust. While some passages promote tolerance and recognise diversity, the overall curriculum falls short of UNESCO-derived international educational standards.
IMPACT-se’s assessment of the national curriculum analyses textbooks from three educational boards across the country: Punjab, Sindh and the Federal Directorate.
The report delved into more than 80 government-approved textbooks across a range of subjects, including English, Urdu, Islamic Education, Social Studies, History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Home Economics, and Ethics.
IMPACT-se chief executive, Marcus Sheff says the curriculum promotes “particular and recurring hostility towards Jews”, adding: “Given Pakistan’s prominent regional role, its nuclear status, and large percentage of young people in a population of 240 million, this curriculum has far-reaching consequences.
“Textbooks frame Pakistan firmly as the vanguard of the Muslim world. As such, Israel is portrayed as an adversary and shockingly handed exclusive blame for the current war in Gaza. What is taught in classrooms today will define Pakistan’s future global outlook, including its relationship with Israel and the Jewish people. There is a pressing need for curriculum reform that prioritises inclusion, greater respect for Jews and others, and a more peaceful education.”
Key findings include: Jews portrayed negatively in Pakistani textbooks, often collectively described as “the Jews” without proper context or nuance, and are consistently accused of treachery and disloyalty as “usual” traits; Judaism is entirely absent from comparative religion sections, which instead cover Hinduism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Taoism, effectively erasing it from formal religious education.
The Holocaust is not mentioned, even in a passage which references Hitler’s rule of Germany.
- The full report is available here.
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