Islamabad (Education Desk): To provide Pakistani students with updated and locally relevant education for their O-Level (IGCSE) exams, OxfordAQA has introduced three new mandatory subject specifications: Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies, and Urdu.
The newly launched curricula aim to strengthen students’ critical thinking, analytical ability, and exam preparation skills while ensuring alignment with Pakistan’s cultural, historical, and linguistic context.
According to Oxford, the content is written in simple and clear language and links local topics to global developments, showcasing Pakistan’s role in the international arena.
📘 Updated Syllabus Features
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Islamiyat: Focus on Islamic teachings, traditions, and contemporary issues.
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Pakistan Studies: Covers the nation’s history, geography, and socio-political developments.
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Urdu: Highlights the richness of Urdu literature, poetry, and grammar with a modern approach.
📢 Oxford’s Statement
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, said the partnership between OxfordAQA and OUP combines international expertise with local needs.
“OxfordAQA is committed to fairness, transparency, and quality education, enabling learners to succeed on the world stage,” he noted.
Salma Adil, Director of Oxford Pakistan, explained that the initiative is designed not just for exam success but also to equip students with future-ready skills.
“Our goal is to prepare students for both national and global challenges,” she added.
At the launch event, Oxford also introduced new textbooks aligned with the syllabi, authored by:
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Nighat Gaya Bajwa (Islamiyat)
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Dr. Faizuddin Ahmed (Urdu)
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Nigel Smith (Pakistan Studies)
📌 Why It Matters
This development marks a major step toward ensuring that Pakistani O-Level students gain both academic integrity and practical relevance, bridging the gap between local identity and international education standards.
