The Punjab government has taken a major step toward inclusive education by allowing non-Muslim students to study religious subjects aligned with their own faiths instead of being required to take Islamic Studies or general Ethics.
Under the new policy, minority students, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others, will now have access to officially approved religious education curricula in both public and private schools across the province.
The decision was approved by the Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority, which has cleared Christian religious education textbooks for students from grades 1 to 8 and grades 11 and 12. The textbooks have been developed by Educating Youth Publication and are designed to meet national curriculum standards while respecting religious identity.
In addition to Christian studies, the authority has approved Hinduism, Sikhism, Kalasha Taleem, and Buddhism for students in grades 1 to 3. Zoroastrianism has also been approved as a subject for grades 1 to 5. These subjects will be available specifically for students belonging to the respective faith communities.
Education officials say the move represents a clear departure from the previous system, where non-Muslim students often had limited options and were required to study subjects that did not reflect their beliefs.
According to the official notification, the new textbooks will be implemented province-wide, ensuring equal access for minority students enrolled in both government and private institutions.
Authorities have described the decision as a historic milestone for minority rights in education. The initiative aligns with the Punjab government’s broader goal of promoting tolerance, religious freedom, and inclusive learning environments while ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can study in accordance with their faith and cultural identity.
