Religion is a candle inside a multicolored lantern. Everyone looks through a particular colour, but the candle is always there. (Mohammad Naquib) The word religion originates from a Latin word ‘religare’ which means to bind. Looking at the top ten religions of the world, Shintoism is at number ten Jainism, Confucianism, Bahaism, Judism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islamand Christianity. All these religions talk about the human being, moral and ethical values and the path for eternal peace. When we look at the basic teachings of these faiths all of them talk about love harmony and living in coexistence. Care for each other, sensitivity, and acceptance of the differences in a diverse society. I was just pushed to look into the details of these faiths after hearing a series of religious based news in the media. From day one of Moharam Ul Haram a hidden anxiety and uncertainty could be felt in the environment. Special security measures and a lot was done to have a peaceful procession of the Shia community all around the country. Ashura was never so uncertain and unpredictable as it has been in the past few years for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. Security measures were taken in the past as well but not the extent they are these days. Retired Capt Safdar was recently responsible for a tirade against the minority communities. Soon after, banners and displays could be seen announcing the Jashn-e-Khatame Naboowat. The comments in the national assembly were not only for one non-Muslim community but also for other minorities living in Pakistan. It gave them a strong sense of insecurity. It has been more than 70 years since independence and we know very well what was the Quad-e-Azam’s dream about a tolerant and peaceful Pakistan. But it’s very unfortunate that the dream just vanished and pushed Pakistani society slowly and gradually towards a majority dominant extremist society particularly the steps taken in General Zia’s era in the name of Islamization which led to immense sectarian divides and still the state seems unable to cope with it. There are various opinions when we try to analyze the growing inter and intrafaith intolerance and extremism. We know that many of the religious conflicts and contradictions are a result of lack of knowledge about different faiths. There is a very weak trend of research or critical thinking when it comes to our system of education particularly with reference to faith Looking at the list of subjects taught from grade one to ten Islamiat, Pakistan Studies, Urdu, English, and Maths as compulsory subjects. The text books of English Urdu once we look into of these grades there is repetition of the content already existing in the books social studies and Islamiat. The non-Muslim students from various faiths have to study the same books as the option of Ethics proposed in 2007 curriculum reforms is yet to materialize. The 2007Curriculum of Ethics is acomprehensive document and at this stage where we desperately need harmony and to learn to live with acceptance of diversity. The Ethics Curriculum talks about the ethical and moral values along with understanding of different religions with an inclusive approach. It has five main areas starting from grade five to ten like introduction to religion which covers systematically all major religions of the world along with primitive religions as well as the component on social and moral values which discusses the basic teachings and values of each religionaccording to different religions, social etiquettes and addresses the respect and manners for worship places important to religious personalities and their contributions and religious festivals of different religions. We know that many of the religious conflicts and contradictions are a result of lack of knowledge about the minority faiths. There is avery weak trend of research or critical thinking when it comes to our system of education particularly with reference to faith. Ethics can be introduced as a support subject along with Islamiat even for the Muslim students as it will provide an opportunity to learn more about other religions. It will rectify the various misconceptions and misunderstandings about the other faiths and will generate equal respect for all faiths and beliefs. Since it focuses on the positivity’s of all faiths at the positive content and commonalities will be taken in consideration. The aforementioned five areas of curriculum clearly aim at teaching social and moral values and respect for differences. In addition to teaching the opportunities to interact with different faiths cocurricular activities can also be added. Students can be engaged in educational visits to different worship places where they can practically observe the religious rituals of a different faith. One component in ethics is the religious festivals. The introduction and celebration of religious festivals by state will also help in promoting respect for everyone regardless of religion. For example, in Sri Lanka, each religious festival is celebrated on state level. The madarass can also be taken on board in this regard to introduce ethics as a subject for understanding religions, as comparison can lead to again to a superior religion. The teachers for ethics can be trained on how to be sensitive and careful with their teaching methods and knowledge particularly with reference to other faiths. Since it’s a national document, unified books of ethics for all four provinces can be designed which will ease out the task of provincial text book boards. The writer has experience in the field of education and is currently working as a resource person in the development sector Published in Daily Times, November 4th 2017.