A contentious discussion took place in the Senate Standing Committee on Education as lawmakers debated the inclusion of reproductive health education in Pakistan’s academic curriculum. Senator Quratulain Marri, who tabled the proposal, emphasized the need for structured guidance, arguing that students—especially girls—often seek unreliable information online. “It’s better they learn correctly through the curriculum rather than inappropriate sources,” she stated.
The proposal faced immediate pushback from several committee members. Senator Kamran Murtaza outright rejected the idea, while Senator Fauzia Arshad contended that detailed reproductive system lessons should not be part of the syllabus for younger students. “This decision should rest with parents, not the education system,” she asserted.
MQM-P’s Senator Khalida Ateeb suggested that such topics be excluded from primary-level education, and Senator Gurdeep Singh also opposed the bill. The divide highlights a broader societal debate—whether schools should provide formal reproductive health education or if the subject should remain within family discussions.
The heated exchange underscores Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to balance modern educational needs with cultural sensitivities. While proponents argue that structured lessons can prevent misinformation and health risks, opponents fear it may conflict with traditional values. The committee has yet to reach a consensus, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain.