The officials will be punished for mistakes in geography book of 8th class: Rana Mashud

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Education Rana Mashud Ahmad Khan has said that stern action would be taken against those elements who are responsible for mistakes in geography book of 8th class.

Director Humanities Shahida Javed had been repatriated whereas Assistant Subject Specialist Geography Habib Haider and Illustrator Irfan Ahmad were terminated two weeks ago when the issue was identified. To probe further, a 6-member committee has been constituted, which will present its report within two days.
He expressed these views while addressing the meeting of Chairmen of educational boards from all over the Punjab.

Chairman Lahore Board Dr.Nasrullah Virk, Chairman Bahawalpur Board Rana Masud Akhtar, Chairman Dera Ghazi Khan Board Abdul Waheed Qaisrani, Chairman Faisalabad Board Prof.Ghulam Muhammad, Chairman Gujranwala Board Prof.Muhammad Aslam, Chairman Multan Board Prof. Riaz Ahmad, Chairman Rawalpindi Board Muhammad Zareef, Chairman Sahiwal Board Dr.Anwaar Ahmad, Chairman Sargodha Board Prof.Sirajul Haq and Secretary Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen Faqir Muhammad Kaifi were also present on the occasion.

The Minister said that the government is introducing automation system in all boards for the facility of the students and a review report will be formulated after every three months for adjudging the performance of all boards. He said that transparency is the hallmark of Punjab government and third party evaluation of the process of automation will be conducted for maintaining it.

Rana Mashhood said that mistakes in the book of geography are a serious issue and a 6-member committee headed by Chairman PCTB Lt. General (Retd.) Muhammad Akram Khan has been constituted for investigation of this matter. Members of the committee include Vice Chancellor Punjab University Dr.Mujahid Kamran, Chairman Punjab Examination Commission Dr.Khalid Hameed Sheikh, CEO Punjab Examination Commission Nasir Iqbal Malik, Project Director DSD Ehsan Bhutta and Special Secretary Schools Education Ahmad Ali Kamboh.

The Education Minister said that the government will make the report of the committee public and ensure that such incidents should not happen in future. He said that the book carrying mistakes has not been sent to any government school whereas its printing has been stopped after identification of mistakes. He said that 50 thousand books available in the market are being retrieved.

Meanwhile, Rana Mashhood while presiding over a meeting of Overseas Pakistanis Commission said that Overseas Pakistanis are Ambassadors of the country and government is utilizing all out resources for protecting their rights. He also appreciated the role of police for resolving problems of overseas Pakistanis.