Pakistan’s education system is in such dire straits because no proper checks and balances have been put in place
ISLAMABAD: Education is believed to be the backbone for the progress and development of any country. Pakistan is in its developing stage so it is in dire need of a highly educated workforce, which can be absorbed by the job market to produce better products and services. One of the major problems confronting the education sector in the country is that of ghost schools. A ghost school is a school on paper — which is registered, receives a budget, but does not function in practical terms. It has no teachers, no students and no regular classes. Such schools seem to be a normal feature in many parts of Pakistan.
Teachers may be hired for such schools and all resources may be allotted to these institutions, but unfortunately, the endemic corruption in our country results in these resources being wasted. There have been instances of schools being used for private purposes or their classrooms and courtyards being used to house cattle. Teachers continue to draw salaries without doing any work. Pakistan’s education system is in such dire straits because no proper checks and balances have been put in place. Those who can afford to do so get their children admitted to private schools and pay hefty sums for the education of the children. But what about the poor and bright children, whose parents cannot afford the expenses of a private school? The myriad ghost schools in the country are impinging upon their right to education.
Noor Ahmad Habib
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2014.
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