The Sindh government has initiated the distribution of 52 million free textbook sets for the 2026-27 academic year, with officials simultaneously announcing significant curriculum reforms aimed at reducing student burden and fostering creative thinking.
At a formal launch ceremony today Provincial Minister for Education, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, gave an assurance that every student will receive new learning materials on the first day of the new academic term. The distribution will be completed by April 1.
The inauguration event, organised by the Sindh Textbook Board (STBB), took place at the Government Girls Lower Secondary School in Neelam Colony, Karachi. It was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Secretary School Education Zahid Ali Abbasi, Chairman STBB Parvez Ahmed Baloch, and other senior education officials, alongside teachers and pupils.
The STBB met its publication target for the “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Textbook Series,” which comprises 195 titles in Sindhi, Urdu, and English for classes from Early Childhood Education up to Grade 10. The Education Minister commended the Board for its effective planning, which ensured the timely completion of the publication process despite challenges such as increased paper taxes.
Minister Shah also revealed that a revised curriculum will be introduced from the next academic year to align education with modern requirements. The updated framework will focus on developing research skills, scientific thinking, and creativity. It will also incorporate contemporary trends in science, technology, mathematics, languages, and social sciences, with a special emphasis on promoting religious tolerance, mutual respect, gender studies, and environmental protection.
He recalled Sindh”s previous opposition to the Single National Curriculum proposed by the former federal government, noting that the province”s stance on including mother tongues in schooling-a long-standing practice in Sindh-is now being considered by other provinces.
The minister underscored that the Constitution guarantees free education, making the provision of complimentary textbooks a fundamental government responsibility.
Zahid Ali Abbasi, Secretary School Education, highlighted that UNESCO has recognised Sindh’s curriculum as the “most inclusive.” He also mentioned that efforts are underway to develop a “learning-to-earning” mechanism to equip students with market-relevant skills.
Parvez Ahmed Baloch, Chairman of the Sindh Textbook Board, confirmed that online versions of the textbooks are also being made available. He added that the STBB has consistently met its targets over the past two years and is committed to maintaining its performance.
The ceremony concluded with Syed Sardar Ali Shah distributing new textbooks among the school”s students and engaging with them.