The first role of any government is to take care of its citizens and invest in human capital. Unfortunately, that has never been the case in Pakistan which is clearly visible in that after 77 years of independence our literacy rate stands at 60 percent. Worse still there are 25 million out of school, any school, of any kind.
The government has announced setting up a PKR 75 million fund to address the crisis of out-of-school children and reach 90 percent literacy rate by 2030. However, as an editorial in Dawn notes, several gaps remain unaddressed.
Firstly, “while the government’s focus on technical and vocational education is a step in the right direction, the quality of basic education remains inadequate. Children need more than enrolment — they need access to quality education that equips them with critical thinking skills and modern technological competencies. The lack of proper infrastructure, such as electricity in schools and adequate teacher-student ratios, hinders any meaningful progress.”
Secondly, “the devolution of education to the provinces following the 18th Amendment has created disparities between regions. What is needed is stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments to ensure uniform progress across the country. Moreover, addressing socioeconomic barriers that keep children out of school, such as poverty and gender inequality, must become a central part of the government’s education strategy. Without sustained investment and innovative solutions, Pakistan risks falling further behind on its educational goals.”
In conclusion, Dawn warned, “time for rhetoric has passed. Pakistan needs actionable, well-researched plans that not only address immediate challenges but also build a resilient, forward-thinking education system, which is capable of preparing its youth for the demands of the modern world.”
