It is a matter of great pride and honour that our youngsters are competing on the world level in education and bringing a good name to the country. It is instilling confidence in the nation that we have the potential and can do wonders provided the environment is conducive and there are opportunities. It is also a message that necessary awareness and education is the only way to overcome all our social, economic, political, law and order and terrorism problems.
Pakistan is having a well-established network of universities on national level as well as mutual collaboration with western universities. But the outcome is not visible when we evaluate the problems being faced in research and practical utilisation of the information and knowledge in our everyday life.
This leads to only one option that there is a need to set our priorities right on the national level giving importance to education. It would require a strong national policy implemented with true sense of dedication and responsibility.
There is a need to go through our syllabus at all levels of education including topics of practical and ethical importance and leaving the ones which are not of relevance. Students should be encouraged to do research work having a clear direction on what to look for and why. Research work in social sciences, science and technology and defence related issues would help to understand the existing problems and give insight to overcome them in future.
This awareness would create an environment of acceptance, mutual respect, open-mindedness, tolerance and positive thinking which would improve communication and interpersonal relationships.
There is also a need to develop an amicable educational exchange system with Islamic countries as well as the West. The neighbouring countries can also be a good source if we follow the policy of give and take and help them where they need assistance.
The present scenario is quite pathetic when it comes to economy and industry. We are losing our industry and dependence is increasing on foreign countries. It is only due to lack of education and research that no new avenues are explored to support our own industry. If, as a nation, we are really sincere to stand on our own feet and work for a cause, we have to take a firm decision today without any hesitation to give priority to education.
Changes in the system, provision of all facilities to teachers and children to have good education based on religious, national and cultural identity is the need of the hour. A strict accountability system to make things work according to set norms and standard also needs to be ensured.
This is the only solution to eradicate corruption, lawlessness, extremism, social evils particularly terrorism. Education is a protective shield against all propaganda as well as the best defence against known and hidden enemies.
ANWAR PARVEEN
Rawalpindi
