Overcoming illiteracy

The constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan says, ‘The State of Pakistan shall remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory secondary education within minimum possible period’. The human Development Report placed Pakistan at 136th position due to 49.9 percent literacy rate. According to UNESCO the rate of completion of primary education is 33.8 percent in female and 47.18 percent in males.
The reasons are numerous and highlighting them repeatedly is not the solution. Awareness is needed on all levels from individuals to policy makers to accord education a high priority in order to bring a change and improve the condition of the country. The first step is having a practical policy fully implemented. Increase in budget of education is must. A uniform system of education where the medium of instruction should be one. Gender discrimination to be discouraged and the concept of ‘education for all’ should be propagated.
Teacher training programs are also a requirement. Technical education is also must. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan emphasised education to fight the masters and powerful of that time. The students who understood the importance of education were the flag bearers of Pakistan. Today the only hope to build Pakistan, fight all the evils and overcome problems depends on our sincerity to prepare our younger generation to be physically and cognitively strong. Those who are well versed in reasoning and research and have a vision for the future. This cannot be accomplished without meaningful and an objective academic background. Such rock solid foundations of today are the only investment for a secure future.