ISLAMABAD: A glaring textbook error has stirred controversy across Punjab’s education system, as the First Year Chemistry book published by the Punjab Curriculum, Training, and Assessment Authority (PECTA) misidentifies Delhi’s Red Fort as Lahore’s historic Shahi Qila.
Wrong Monument, Wrong Country
The mix-up occurs in a chapter discussing environmental pollution and the impact of smog on heritage sites, where an image of India’s iconic Red Fort is incorrectly captioned as Lahore Fort.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, bears distinct architectural differences from the actual Shahi Qila of Lahore—yet the photo was presented to thousands of students as a representation of Pakistani heritage.
The textbook is currently being used in government schools across Punjab, prompting immediate backlash from historians, educators, and academics for what they call a “shocking lack of historical and cultural accuracy.”
Government Responds with Inquiry
Rana Sikandar Hayat has quickly acknowledged the mistake. In a public statement, he announced a formal inquiry to investigate how such a mistake passed through editorial and review stages.
He assured that corrective action will follow once the inquiry is complete, and accountability will be ensured at every level of the curriculum development process.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The incident has reignited concerns over quality control in textbook publishing, particularly regarding:
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The authenticity of visual content
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The rigor of review committees
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The educational impact of such misrepresentations on young minds
Many educationists are now calling for enhanced fact-checking protocols and cultural vetting before textbooks are approved for public distribution.
