ENHANCING SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN: ANALYSIS OF PAKISTAN STUDIES TEXTBOOK GRADE XII

Abstract

The study is conducted to analyze the sustainability education provided in the grade XII Pakistan Studies textbook published by the Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore. A purposive sample is taken, and the content of the textbook is qualitatively analyzed through NVivo 12 software. The findings signify that the grade XII Pakistan Studies textbook covers various dimensions of sustainability including social, cultural, or value-added dimensions. The textbook shows excellent coverage of Islamic values and principles and how they shape and influence individual and societal behavior. The book contains ample material addressing how culture, norms, and traditions fit in a sustainable society. Almost the whole book focuses on different teachings and principles of Islam that should be considered on individual and societal levels for peace and harmony in society. The textbook also offers profound material on environmental degradation and natural resources however, the depth of the contents does not satisfy the reader’s need for how the environment becomes a victim, especially in Pakistan. The book lacks in addressing sustainable means of economic development as well as institutions and governance means vital and centrally covered in Sustainability. The study calls the attention of policymakers and curriculum developers for a more integrated approach towards sustainability education where each sustainability dimension should be covered in detail. Education content should be based on principles and philosophy of sustainability to encourage students to understand sustainable development holistically.