Contemporary Curriculum Design for Higher Education: An Islamic Appraisal

Education is a key to developing positivity in human beings. It helps to become a good citizen. In Islam, education has a central role that every Muslim must seek. Islamic education is centered on the teaching of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Quran is revealed in Arabic, therefore sources of the teachings of Islam are in Arabic. It is the religious duty of the Muslim Ummah to learn Arabic and have command in it. The Quran is the only Book that provides complete guidance to humanity, whether the matters related to social life, economic matters, political issues, or religious life. Keeping this in view, the curriculum should also be prepared in the light of the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Focusing on the contemporary curriculum design for Islamic studies for higher education, this paper describes the missing material in the existing curriculum and suggests that the use of modern resources, arranging conferences, and an expansive transformative framework for Islamic studies are the key tools for its implementation. It stresses the curricular designers to approach the existing curriculum more comprehensively which covers Islamic Law, comparative studies, contemporary trends in world traditions, peace dialogue, and practical involvement of students too. This goal can be gained through amendments or revising the existing curriculum. The outcome of it will results in students' critical thinking, positivity, comprehensive knowledge, language proficiency, and character building.

Ethno-Nationalist Movement in Balochistan 1999-2013

This dissertation seeks to explore the nature and development of the nationalist movement in Balochistan, Pakistan, during the military regime of Pervez Musharraf and its civilian successor, the Pakistan People’s Party. The dissertation argues that the Musharraf regime pursued a buffet of repressive and assimilationist policies to contain Baloch ethno-nationalism, driving the nationalists to demand self-determination. As a consequence, the province witnessed unprecedented violence between Baloch nationalists and the Pakistani state. Repression continued following the collapse of the Musharraf regime during the Pakistan People’s Party government. The reconciliatory policy of the PPP government failed in mitigating the Baloch resistance as the military approach to handling the Baloch crisis continued. The Baloch nationalist resistance hitherto confined to the tribal chieftains successfully lured the common masses and the educated middle class to its fold. Buoyed by this support, the nationalists rebuffed the reconciliatory initiatives of the civilian government and pressed for self-rule. The dissertation argues that the strained relationship between the Pakistani state and Baloch nationalists is rooted in post-colonial dynamics with sporadic bouts of confrontation and long spells of quasi peace. And that the coercive policies of the state in the period 1999-2013, only intensified the Baloch struggle to a point of no return manifesting in the demand for independence.