London: August 30, 2017. (PCP) On Friday 25th August the Pakistani senate passed the compulsory teaching of Holy Quran bill 2017. The education minister tabled the bill which was unanimously approved. Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman said being a Muslim it is necessary for us to convey Islamic teachings to our children. The National Assembly had already passed this bill on April 19th, making it compulsory for Muslim students from class 1 to 12 in all educational institutions to be taught the Holy Quran. According to the objectives of the bill, it will make the divine message understood, ensure the response of society, encourage peace and tranquility, promote the supreme human values of truth, honesty, integrity, character building, tolerance, understanding others’ point of view and way of life. Additionally, the bill will help the state to discharge its constitutional responsibility as article 31(2) of the Constitution states that the “State shall endeavor to make the teachings of the Holy Quran and Islamiyat compulsory”. Nasir Saeed Director CLAAS-UK said that although this is compulsory for Muslim students, no alternative programme has been announced for non-Muslim students. He added: "Also, it will have a negative impact on the non-Muslim students and many will be forced to take it as subject, if there is no other choice. "It will promote bigotry and hatred against non-Muslims in Pakistani society, something which is already on the rise." He said it is sad that instead of promoting freedom of religion and belief, the government is forcing children to study religion.