In a first, Pakistan to offer animal welfare course in schools

• A “special” course will be started for schools in Islamabad.
• The government plans to start the course by the end of October.
• It will teach children that owning an animal is a “big responsibility”.

ISLAMABAD: For the first time in Pakistan, a course on animal welfare will be taught to school students, as the country takes a step towards ensuring the rights of the innocent.

The course is expected to be introduced in all schools in Islamabad, Prime Minister’s Head of Strategic Reforms Salman Sufi announced in a tweet on Saturday.

Sufia said the “special course” aims to ensure that children show compassion and adopt a humane attitude towards animals so that they can become better citizens.

In conversation with Geo.tvSufi said the course is in line with animal rights in Islam and worldwide practices of caring for animals and ensuring their health.

“[The course] will also be included. [the] Pets and animals that are in Pakistan and how keeping exotic animals away from their home countries is harmful.”

Sufi added that the course – which is underway and expected to start by the end of October – will teach children that owning an animal is “not fun” but a “big responsibility”.