The Supreme Court has directed a litigant to provide if there was any evidence of teaching an objectionable translation of the Holy Quran in any educational institution in Pakistan.

The apex court observed that it could be blocked if an incorrect translation of the Holy Quran is found.

Justice Amin Ud Din Khan, the seven-member SC constitutional bench head, heard the petition for ‘making appropriate legislation regarding compulsory teaching of Holy Quran and Islamiat in schools.’

The SC directed that a serial number should be given to the petition and issued notices to the respondents.

Earlier, Advocated Aneeq Khattana urged the court to direct the federation to make arrangements for the implementation of Article 31 (Islamic way of life )of the Constitution in its entirety throughout Pakistan and to pass a restraining order against those who have violated this fundamental provision.

While commenting on the petitioner’s claim that there are no arrangements for teaching the Quran in Sindh and Balochistan, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi said that he learnt by reading the holy book (Nazira) in School in Sindh in 1971-72.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan was surprised too to hear it and remarked that the Balochistan Assembly has legislated for compulsory teaching of the Holy Quran.

The petitioner, however, said that technology has enabled miscreants to temper with the correct translation of the Quran while there was a translation that was approved by the government.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that it could be blocked if any incorrect translation of the holy book is found.

The SC directed the petitioner to provide if there is any evidence of teaching an objectionable translation of the Holy Quran and adjourned the proceedings for the next hearing.