New Guidelines for Handling Quran and Islamic Literature in Schools–Punjab Education Department’s Notification

Punjab Schools to Observe Sanctity of Quran and Islamic Literature – Education Department’s Directive:

The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has issued an urgent Government Notification to all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of District Education Authorities (DEAs), reinforcing guidelines to maintain the sanctity of Islamic literature, particularly the Holy Quran, within school environments.

This official communication, dated 07^th April 2025, follows a recent public appeal and reaffirms previous instructions issued in January 2022. It stresses the moral and religious obligation of all educational institutions to ensure proper handling, respectful storage, and careful disposal of Islamic texts, including Hadith books, test papers with Quranic verses, and other sacred materials.

In addition, the SED mandates awareness training for staff and students, the display of Urdu instructions in schools, and installation of special collection boxes. Improper handling or discarding of sacred texts will now invite strict disciplinary action. Schools are encouraged to coordinate with the Punjab Quran Board and Auqaf Department for proper disposal of religious materials. Please find notification:

IMPORTANT

No. DD (M)/Misc/2025
GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB
SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
(MONITORING WING)
Dated: 07^th April, 2025

To

All the Chief Executive Officers,
District Education Authorities (DEAs)
In Punjab.

SUBJECT:             OBSERVANCE OF SANCTITY OF ISLAMIC LITERATURE AND HOLY QURAN IN SCHOOLS

                              Refer to this office letter vide No. DD(M)/Misc-Admn/V-III/2021, dated 13^th January, 2022, regarding the subject matter. A fresh application has now been received from Mr. Muhammad Qasim S/o Muhammad Rafi, R/o Lahore, and recommended by the authority. (copy attached).

2.            As we continue striving to foster a comprehensive and holistic educational environment for our students, the authority has emphasized the utmost importance of preserving and respecting the sanctity of Islamic literature, particularly the Holy Quran and other sacred texts.

3.            The Holy Quran, as the central religious text of Islam, holds immense reverence for millions of Muslims worldwide. It is our collective responsibility to uphold its sanctity, particularly in educational settings. In light of this, the authority has directed that all Islamic literature, including but not limited to the Quran, Hadiths, and other sacred texts, be treated with the utmost respect in schools and classrooms. This applies to all aspects of handling, storage, and disposal.

4.            All CEOs (DEAs) are requested to take the following actions:

i.             Conduct training and awareness programs for teachers, staff, and students on the importance of treating Islamic literature with the utmost respect.

ii.            Ensure that all schools are following proper protocols for the respectful handling, storage, and disposal of Islamic texts. Books containing verses from the Holy Quran, in particular, should be stored at a secure and appropriate place.

iii.           AEOS must ensure the fixing of boxes during visits.

iv.           Establish a clear reporting system for any violations of the sanctity of Islamic literature.

v.            Pages containing Islamic literature must not be torn or discarded carelessly, and test series papers should be disposed of properly. Head teachers must ensure Islamic texts are not thrown away or mixed with trash.

vi.           Discarded pages should be handed over to the Punjab Quran Board/Auqaf Department (042-99204863, 0300-4516105) and must not be burned.

vii.          Instructions in Urdu language regarding aforementioned measures be displayed at prominent places in schools for awareness of students.

5.            You are therefore, requested to ensure the implementation of the above said instructions in true letter and spirit and also disseminate the directions at all levels. In case of the non-compliance, strict action will be taken accordingly.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR (MONITORING)

Respecting Sacred Knowledge: Schools Must Take Immediate Action to Uphold Quranic Sanctity:

This notification by the Punjab School Education Department signals a strong commitment to instill religious respect and sensitivity among students, educators, and administrative staff across the province. At a time when digital content and printed material circulate widely, ensuring the ethical treatment of Quranic verses is a matter of both spiritual reverence and social responsibility.

Schools are now expected to act without delay — by training educators, placing designated storage boxes, and establishing clear reporting mechanisms for any violations. The directive also warns of strict consequences in cases of non-compliance, reinforcing the importance of Islamic values in the schooling system.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to embed religious ethics in education while maintaining compliance with legal standards for handling Islamic literature in public institutions. For continuous updates on such important matters, stay tuned to Vocal Pakistan, your most trusted source for verified Government Notifications, Punjab education news, and religious awareness policies in schools.

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