Education Research Commission unveiled

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday unveiled a momentous Education Research Commission (ERC) to ‘revolutionise’ the country’s education system, ensure inclusive and sustainable national development.

Chairing a meeting of the commission, the minister shed light on the nation’s paradoxical history.

“Pakistan has achieved remarkable milestones, defying global opposition, and asserting itself as a nuclear power. However, we face challenges in our education sector, which is vital for our future growth and prosperity.

The ERC, comprising experts, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders, would embark on a comprehensive study to analyze the education system’s performance since the devolution of the education sector to provinces.

The minister unveiled plans to address the challenge of out-of-school children by allocating funds amounting to Rs25 billion, and underscored the importance of early childhood education, stating that a significant portion of these funds should be dedicated to this crucial phase of development.

Emphasising the significance of education as a fundamental right and a catalyst for socioeconomic progress, he reiterated that education impacted every citizen and transcended all societal barriers.

He acknowledged the widespread desire for high-quality education and highlighted the need for urgent action to address the persistent shortcomings.

In his address, Iqbal delved into crucial issues plaguing the education sector, expressing concern over the widening salary gap between public and private school teachers and recognising the governance issue that hampered effective education delivery.

The minister called for comprehensive reforms to attract and retain highly qualified teachers, stressing the importance of stability of tenure in improving the quality of education.

Furthermore, Iqbal emphasised the significance of data-driven decision-making and proposed the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the education system’s efficiency and effectiveness.

“By adopting evidence-based policy frameworks, Pakistan can ensure that every rupee invested in education yields optimal results and positively impacts the nation’s future,” the minister observed.

Addressing the critical role of teacher training in elevating the education system, he announced the establishment of a modern teacher training institute.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2023.