HYDERABAD, Aug 20: Majority of students who clinched top positions in the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) Part-II examinations were unanimous in their call for making existing syllabus compatible with modern changes but without tampering with historical facts in the subjects of Pakistan Studies and Islamiyat. They also urged the government to give incentives to the government teachers and increase funds for education sector. If the government teachers committed themselves to their job, their students, too, would bag positions, they stressed.

Ms Ramlah, who secured first position in pre-medical group with 953 marks, from a private institution, gave credit to her teachers and parents who she said enabled her to reach the top. “My teachers were sincere and cooperated with me in a way that I was able to secure this position,” said a delighted Ramlah, who wears scarf.

Daughter of government teacher herself, she said the standard of education in government institutions was not at par with private ones. “Teachers in government schools are not sincere with their students,” she said.

She would opt for neurology or cardiology, she said and denied having received tuition. She said she took interest in listening to music and reading books.

Zeeshan Anwar, who bagged first position in pre-engineering from Cadet College Petaro, with 944 marks, attributed his position to his hard work. “Thanks to the blessings of Allah Almighty that I managed to grab the first, which I had made my goal,” said Zeeshan, who hails from the rural area of Tandojam.

He strongly advocated changes in existing syllabus but without distorting historical facts in the subjects of Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies. The subjects of science should be updated to modern day changes, he said.

“There should be more pictures and graphics in science books as it makes the subject easier to understand,” said Zeeshan, who is also a debater. “There must be some incentives for teachers and proper evaluation of their performance. Besides, budget for education sector needs to be raised,” he suggested.

Muhammad Haroon Mujtaba, who clinched first in pre-medical with 941 marks, said that he expected the position given the fact that he had got first in HSC-I also and gave credit to Allah Almighty, his parents and teachers for the honour.

“Teachers in government schools don't give their full time and input because they mostly remain absent,” said Mr Haroon, who likes to play football and read books.

Ms Hifza Kareem, who topped in science group from a government institution, said she did not expect her position because of the politics in the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE).

A purdah observing Hifza has made Holy Prophet (PBUH) her ideal and said that she faced some problems during her studies at the Government Nazareth College. Students had talent but the teachers needed to be committed, she said while expressing dissatisfaction with existing facilities for her subject at the college.

Samreen Khan, who stood second in pre-medical with 932 marks, was overjoyed at the news. She admitted having received tuition and urged proper monitoring of government institutions. She suggested putting students in different categories according to the level of their receptivity.

Ms Sadaf Faiz, who secured third in pre-medical, also stood for changes in syllabi. She sounded a bit arrogant when she said that students in government schools were not sensible and did not belong to good families.

Syed Ubaidullah, who secured third position in pre-medical with 931 marks, said that he was expecting his position but not among the position holders. The subjects like chemistry and biology needed to be changed thoroughly; he said and added that he wanted to fulfil his mother’s dream by becoming a doctor.