Through your paper, I would like to draw attention to the dismal condition of Pakistan’s education sector. In the Human Development Report, Pakistan is placed at 136th position as only 49.9 percent of its populace is educated.
The primary completion rate in Pakistan, as given by the Data Center of UNESCO, is 33.8 percent in females and 47.18 percent in males, which shows that people in the 6th largest country of the world are unable to get the basic education.
The education sector faces countless issues. Firstly, the educational system of Pakistan is not uniform. There are parallel systems operating, dispensing very different kinds and qualities of education.
Secondly, regional disparity is also a major problem. The schools in Balochistan are much worse when compared to the rest of the country. In tribal areas (FATA), the literacy rate is deplorable standing at 29.5 percent in males and 3 percent in females.
Thirdly, gender disparity is also a big issue.
Our education system can only be improved if the government takes this issue seriously and allocates more funds to it. We cannot develop without improving our education sector.
HUMAIRA MOHSIN
Karachi