- By: Sonya Khan
After witnessing the changes in school curricula abroad, especially the compulsory inclusion of LGBTQ+ education,
I decided to move my family back to Pakistan. My primary aim was to ensure that my children could grow up with a
strong foundation in cultural values, religious teachings, and ethical principles that align with our traditions.
Although my children were enrolled in a leading international Islamic school overseas, which offered an excellent blend of modern education and Quranic teachings, the overall environment around us made me reconsider and ultimately take the decision to return to Pakistan.
On our very first day in Islamabad, we visited three private schools in search of a suitable educational environment. What we encountered, however, left us deeply concerned.
At the first school, after being introduced to their curriculum, we were promptly directed to another staff member upon mentioning that we had recently relocated from abroad. This staff member, dressed in western attire, enthusiastically explained that the school had a “very relaxed” environment where “students are not restricted” in any way. When I asked if they offered Quranic education or Tajweed classes—as my daughter had been receiving at her previous school—the staff member casually replied, “Yes, we have an Islamiyat class, and we also offer a very good music program. Your daughter will be very happy.”
At that moment, I exchanged glances with my wife, and we both realized: this institution does not know the difference between religion and music.
Still hopeful, we visited the second school. After briefly introducing ourselves, the staff member proudly mentioned their diverse student body, including many foreign students. She even highlighted that they offered a “belly dance class” and enthusiastically noted, “Your daughter would fit perfectly in the belly dance club—it’s a bit competitive, but her figure would match nicely.”
We were stunned. Was this really happening? We wondered if, after five years abroad, we were simply unfamiliar with the “modernization” taking place in Pakistan’s private education sector.
Finally, we visited the third school of the day. At first, we were impressed. The staff spoke politely, and the curriculum presentation seemed more serious and balanced. However, the conversation took another unexpected turn when the administrator proudly explained that they practiced co-education with “boy-girl seating arrangements” to promote gender interaction from a young age, preparing students for a mixed-gender professional environment in the future.
Once again, we were left questioning: Where are we heading?
Is this the inevitable consequence of “beggars can’t be choosers,” where we adopt whatever global trends are handed to us without reflection? Or have we become so obsessed with Western culture that we feel compelled to imitate it, even within the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?
More importantly, are we approaching a time when our children, having graduated from such institutions, will no longer remember our values, traditions, religion, and basic manners? (To be continued…)