Candidates discuss state of education in Pakpattan

PAKPATTAN: Candidates contesting the general elections gathered to speak at a multi-party convention to discuss the failing state of education in the district, while also offering reasonable solutions to ensure quality education across government schools.

The event was organised by Alif Ailaan and Ugaiti Soch. It was attended by Rana Awais Abid from the Awami Workers Party, Rao Azmatullah Khan and Rao Khalilullah from Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), Mian Naveed Ali from Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and independent candidates Nawab Ali Sukhera and Nadeem Iqbal Kharka.



Speaking at the session, Abid urged parents to be proactive with their children’s studies. On the other hand, Kharka stressed the need to maintain a certain ratio of teachers to students so that the former are able to effectively teach the latter.

Out of a total 903 public schools in the district, only 651 provide primary education while 252 provide primary education and above. For every four primary school, there is only one middle school, which provides children in the district with very few opportunities to complete their formal education.

All the participants agreed to commit to a charter of demands based on the needs of the parents, the teachers and the community in the district. These demands will not only improve the schools but also the quality of education being provided in the candidates’ respective constituencies.



The list of demands includes upgrading primary schools to middles schools, middle schools to high schools and high schools to high-secondary schools. In addition to this, science labs and libraries will also be constructed while scholarships for those in need are also on the cards. Teachers will also be trained so that they are able to teach pupils according to the need of the modern era, while co-curricular activities will also be introduced in schools.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2018.