Education:
"Education is a matter of life and death for
Pakistan. The world is progressing so rapidly that
without imparting education to our people, we will
not only be left behind but may be wiped out
altogether."-- Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
(Speech at the All Pakistan Educational Conference, Karachi, 27
November 1947)
“
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world”-- Nelson Mandela.
In 1948, Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Right: made
education Right for All and bound it signatories to make primary education free and
compulsory for all the member states of United Nation.
Education is the goal 4 of Sustainable Development Goals (totall 17 goals) by United
Nation in 2015 which set the agenda for 2030.
Atricle 25-A : In 18th Amendment in 2010, Article 25-A of constitution of Pakistan
states: “State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age
of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.
18th Amendment: made the education as provinvical subject.
Literacy Rate:
According to 2023 Census,
Overall 59.3%
Categ Literacy
ory Rate
Overa
59.3%
ll
Male 68%
Femal
52.84%
e
Urban 74.09%
Rural 51.56%
Currenty (Februray 2025) 26.09 million OUT-OF-SCHOOL Children (OOSC) from 5-16
years. 35% (approximately 1/3) of school going age are out of school.(60% between
10 to 16 year old children).
Second rank in the world in OOSC given by UNICEF.
Economic Survey 2022-2023 Pakistan spend less than 2% (1.7%) of GDP on
education. UNESCO recommended 4-6%.
Lord Macaulay’s Education Model:
1835, “Minute on Indain Education” plan to replace the Traditional Indain educaton
with an English-centered system. It was designed to serve the British interest in
colonial India.
Replcement of Sanskrit and Persian with Western knoewledge.
This cirriculum emphasized on literatiure, philosophy, and history over
scienteific and technical subject.
Focus on literary education rather than practical skills.
Declared Aim: Macaulay argued that instruction in English rather than native
laguagues is to create the bridge between the British ruler and the Indain
population.
Undeclared Aim: To create a class of Indain who were “Indian in blood and color, but
English in taste, in opinions, in morale, and in intellect. Actuall aim behind this model
was to create a class of Indians who would assist the Bristish in governance and
aminitration.
Its aims was to emphasized on obedience and loyality to British
rulers, rather than fostering creativity, inovation, and critical thinking.
Effects: It continued to shape the education sysytem of Pakistan which contributed
in socioeconomic divide, cultursl disconnect, and a lack of innovation.
Neoliberal Pedagogical Terrorism:
Henry Giroux termed the standardization (uniform curricular) and quantification
(measuring learning) of education as neoliberal pedagogical terrorism.
Privitization (market driven policy which treat education as commodity),
standardization ( leads to lack of different or varaiant thinking), rigid testing,
competition, and accountability (last three lead to emphasis on test,ranking and job
utility rather than critical thinking) are the main features of neoliberal pedadgogy.
Private School System has created a system of educational and linguistic division
due to English as the medium of communication as compared to Public sector
teaches in vernacular language.
Key Education Challenges in Pakistan
Pakistan is facing multifaceted and deep-rooted challenges.
Pakistan educational system is highly fragmented, with public schools, private
schools, and madrassas each following different curricula.
a. Lack of Access to Education( if youth fails to contribute in the society economically
due lack of quality education, then it will lead to radicalization and discord like
student inculsion into [Link] further argued that feeling of alienation and
marginalisation are often harboured when acess to opportunities is unequal rather
absent.1 Pakitsan beyond the crisis state p.253 by Moeed Yusuf )
b. Poor Quality of Education
c. Budgetary Constraints (lead to insufficient infrestructure, shortage of learning
material,and underpaid and untrained teachers.)
d. Weak Governance
e. External Factors
i. Poverty
[Link] and Order
[Link] Disasters
f. Lack of implementation of Article 25A due to lack of awareness among citizens.
[Link] in ensuring that children actually remain in the school for requisite period
of time.
h*Lack of Market-oriented and Skill based cirriculum.
[Link] issue and quality of education(outdated and misaligned with market
demands, lack of standardization mean uniform curriculum but there is alos and
additional point that standardization leads to lack of varaition in the society and lack
of creativity, cramming, lack of critical and problem solving thinking)
[Link] inequality (Gender and socioeconomic disparaties-low income family
face multiple obstacle)
[Link] of training of teachers
[Link] of Policy due to frequent change in government.
[Link] of accountability
[Link] of STEM education model while other devleoping states have adopted.
Importance/ benefits of Education:
Production of skilled labour force: According to the conventional wisdom
Can provide the means of social mobility
Act as a source of contentment to people
Contribute to peace
Drive societal narratives
Mould the very outlook of communities positively
Inculcate a civic sense among citizens
Importance/Benefits of Education
Education is a fundamental pillar of personal growth and societal progress. Below is
an explanation of the listed points on why education is essential:
1. Production of Skilled Labour Force
Education equips individuals with technical knowledge, problem-solving skills,
and expertise needed for various professions.
A well-educated workforce enhances productivity and innovation, driving
economic growth.
Example: Countries with strong education systems, like Germany and Japan,
have advanced industries due to a highly skilled workforce
2. Provides the Means of Social Mobility
Education helps individuals improve their social and economic status by
providing better job opportunities.
It enables people from lower-income backgrounds to rise above poverty
through knowledge and skills.
Example: A child from a poor family who becomes a doctor or engineer due
to quality education experiences upward social mobility.
3. Source of Contentment
Education broadens perspectives, reduces ignorance, and promotes
intellectual satisfaction.
Learning new things can bring a sense of personal fulfillment and purpose in
life.
Example: A person who understands different cultures and philosophies
tends to be more content with life.
4. Contribution to Peace
An educated society is more likely to resolve conflicts through dialogue
rather than violence.
It promotes values like tolerance, respect, and understanding among
different groups.
Example: Nations with higher literacy rates tend to have lower crime and civil
unrest rates.
5. Drives Societal Narratives
Education shapes public opinion and influences the way societies interpret
history, politics, and social issues.
It helps combat misinformation and allows citizens to make informed
decisions.
Example: The spread of education has led to increased awareness of climate
change, gender equality, and human rights.
6. Moulds Community Outlook Positively
Education instills progressive thinking and helps communities adopt modern
ideas.
It encourages inclusivity, equality, and ethical values.
Example: Societies with better education systems tend to have higher gender
equality and social justice.
7. Inculcates Civic Sense Among Citizens
Education teaches individuals about their rights, duties, and responsibilities
as citizens.
It fosters a sense of social responsibility, encouraging people to follow laws
and contribute to society.
Example: Countries with strong civic education programs have citizens who
vote responsibly, obey laws, and participate in community development.
Conclusion:
Education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it transforms individuals and
societies, fostering economic development, social justice, and peace. A well-
educated population is the foundation of a prosperous, progressive, and
harmonious world.
