PTI emphasises on the need to increase the education budget to 5% of GDP from the currently-pegged rate of 2.1%. DESIGN: MANAHYL KHAN
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday announced its six-point education policy.
It emphasised the education emergency in the country, the importance of an equal system for all, and the need to increase the education budget to 5% of GDP from the currently-pegged rate of 2.1%.
The policy was announced at a local hotel. PTI leader Shaukat Tarin gave an overview, while Chairperson Imran Khan, Secretary General Arif Alvi, Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Women’s Wing President Fauzia Kasuri were also present.
Tarin opened the session by painting a grim picture of current education system.
The overall literacy rate is only 58%, and even worse in rural areas, he said, adding that only 46% women are literate.
Jarringly still, out of a total 44 million children who fall into the 5-16 age bracket, only 25.7 million are enrolled in schools. Only 1.1 million out of the total population go on to university.
Tarin also discussed the poor infrastructure, ‘useless’ learning outcomes, and high dropout rates in government schools. Furthermore, he mentioned the 1.72 million students enrolled at madrassas, and how they are unfortunately not recognized for employment purposes.
He said that under the PTI, the Higher Education Commission would be made a fully autonomous body, absolutely de-linked from the government.
The six points the entire policy rests upon are: one education system for all; re-engineering governance-based complete decentralization; gradual increase in education budget; adult education; teacher training; information and communication technology.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 21st, 2013.
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I appreciate that PTI at least launched a education Policy which is a good approach but if we see that PTI has also giant education business wizard like Fouzia Kasuri and Mr. Kasuri who are minting money by running most expensive education systems in Pakistan and serving only for elite's children. First PTI must asked they should also consider the children of poor then they can change the fate of country's education system otherwise this is nice lucrative slogan by PTI to beat others Political Parties.
It is still unsure that how they will ensure the teaching quality and how will they ensure one education system for all. As an educationist, I worked 12 years in Pakistan college and then in past 5 years, I am teaching in Sixth Form College in UK. I feel PTI should include two more points: 1- There should be an organisation controlled by Federal Government who will be responsible to ensure quality assurance and uniform system of education throughout the country. 2- There is need of change in examination system that ensure creativity than memorisation.
I don't say watch complete ceremony of PTI Education Policy but I do wish that EVERY Pakistani, whether Pro-PTI or Anti-PTI, just listen to Imran Khan's speech at the ceremony at least. You will find what are the real challenges. http://insaf.pk/Media/Videos/tabid/62/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/15155/PTI-Education-Policy-Vision-February-20-2013.aspx
Is PTI the only party out there with clear policies on all major issues that face Pakistan today? I know we have many parties to choose from but,. comon guys, . its a no brainer,.
Well done Kaptaan and team, u give us hope for a better Pakistan
Way to go. the only party in the country whit detailed well laid down policies on each burning issue from energy to health ann education. Let's all vote for PTI!!