Abstract
This study, based on a thematic analysis, was undertaken by the author as a
comparison of the content of two textbooks of Urdu (national language of Pakistan)
teaching at the terminal grade (grade-8) elementary level. The overall curriculum of
Urdu at grade-8 of both public and private schools consists of the content of textbooks.
The first text selected for this purpose, was designed and published by a private
company and is taught in private schools of Pakistan; the second selected text was
designed and published by the Textbook Board (an agency regulated by government of
Pakistan) and is taught in public schools. The rationale for selecting the Urdu textbooks
was based on different concepts being easily comprehended in the national language;
the terminal grade of elementary level was selected for study purposes because
students at this stage are sufficiently mature to comprehend the perspectives of
sustainable development and apply them in their daily life. The content of Urdu was
analyzed thematically and discussed in terms of two main themes of Education for
Sustainable Development as socio-cultural and environmental perspectives
acknowledged in Agenda 21 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. The
comparative analysis revealed that the Urdu textbook published by a private company
was better aligned with the goals of education for sustainable development related to
environmental and socio-cultural perspectives. However, one important component
related to the environmental perspective of Pakistan is the awareness raising campaign
for prevention of dengue mosquito which was effectively incorporated in the textbook
published by Textbook Board. This component was found missing in the private
textbook.
