KARACHI:
The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of five to sixteen years, yet the number of out-of-school children remains high. The negligence of the authorities is not only depriving thousands of children of their fundamental rights, but it is also a grave violation of the Constitution. All politicians make tall claims during their electoral campaigns but fall short of fulfilling their promises per usual.
The deplorable state of education in the country has impeded the country’s development and progress. Despite having a large population, the country does not produce enough skilled workers who can participate in research and innovation. High levels of illiteracy also contribute to other social issues including child labour, generational poverty, disease, high crime rate, etc.
We must learn from other regional countries that have achieved economic progress and growth by promoting education. Schools and colleges should be created in rural and remote areas to improve access to education. In addition, district and municipal authorities should be directed to fulfil their responsibilities of monitoring and regulating institutes. Public education institutes should be equipped with proper facilities to ensure a good learning environment for both teachers and students. Students from low-income backgrounds should either be disbursed or given scholarships. The federal and provincial governments should consider the issue in earnest and take concerted steps to bring children back to schools and improve our literacy rate.
Hajra Rauf
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2023.
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