Endowment fund

In a hopeful yet familiar initiative, the government has established the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund to support children from low-income families in obtaining higher education. Although numerous governments have come and gone, and various initiatives have been declared, challenges related to access, quality, and equity in education continue to persist, highlighting the need for renewed commitment. Such initiatives are much needed. Soon after taking the reins of power, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government declared an education emergency in the country and vowed to enrol around 26 million out-of-school children. Under the newly established fund, a 20 per cent quota would be reserved for deserving students from Balochistan. The fund is designed to support students who lack financial resources to pursue their education or are experiencing difficulties during their academic journey due to financial constraints. It should not be misused. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the funds do not go to undeserving or rich students who have the means to pursue higher education.

Pakistan's education crisis is both severe and pervasive. The statistics are concerning: the country faces a literacy rate of just 62% and allocates only 1.7% of its GDP to education. The majority of students from low-income households, even if they can attain primary and secondary education, drop out of college due to a lack of financial affordability. The endowment fund, if used with its true intent, will enable many such students to continue their education and contribute not only to their family's financial stability but also to the country's prosperity. This can be a real opportunity to bring about change and should be focused towards students from under-developed regions of the country as they suffer the most. Let us hope that this time, the government walks the talk.