LAHORE:
Pakistan has long struggled with the provision of education. This is exemplified by its current literacy rate in Pakistan, which is 62.3%. This means that approximately 90 million people in the country cannot read and write. High illiteracy has hampered the country’s overall progress and growth.
Currently, Pakistan needs more skilled labour that can aid the country in innovation. There is a shortage of workers in different sectors that can drive that country towards economic development. There is instead an excess supply of unskilled labour who can only contribute to manual work. The absence of government institutes for training and skills development and a lack of opportunities to improve one’s potential through on-the-job training has further intensified the problem. Resultantly, many people remain stuck in menial jobs and are unable to escape poverty. Another consequence of our failed education system is that a large proportion of the population lacks critical thinking skills. People are unable to analyse and evaluate the information they receive, which has increased the spread of misinformation. It has prevented people from making informed decisions about their lives. A population with low levels of education is more susceptible to radicalisation and extremism. This can eventually raise the likelihood of conflict and aggression among the masses.
Education can provide people with the knowledge and skills to resist extremist ideologies and make informed decisions about their lives. The consequences of our failed education system are already materialising and will severely harm our social, economic, and political development in the coming years. The government and other stakeholders should urgently act against this and reform the education system. They must improve access and affordability to education to improve the country’s potential.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2023.
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