In the current doom and gloom engulfing the country, the sky-rocketing school fees are laying more burden on average class income families. Private schools are full of students who belong to affluent families merely because schools are not considered schools anymore, rather they have become status symbol. Undoubtedly, private institutes have systematic approach towards nourishing the young minds but the high fees in schools have deprived many aspirants from getting quality education. What can we expect from a country where quality education is not free for its own people?
Emphasis upon getting education was made by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Apparently, Pakistan is an Islamic welfare state but it doesn’t follow many sayings that Islam has stressed upon. Education is one of them. It is also mandated in the constitution of Pakistan that education be compulsory and free for both genders between the age 5-16. But sadly, it is not enshrined practically. Every new government in Pakistan acts like a devil’s advocate when it comes to justifying gaps on their part. Educational system of Pakistan is endangered due to lack of funds, quality and systemic planning.
Privatisation of schools has given strong infrastructure to schools but it has made class disparity more evident. Middle class people suffer the most when it comes to paying taxes, paying electricity bills and of course paying fee for their kids. For a man with average salary it is hard to pay excessive school fees. Annual increment in the fee has become a norm for private schools. Education is losing its real significance and many entities are using it for the sake of business. In many countries, education is free and its quality is assured. Why not here? It is advisable that public-private sector partnerships are formed in this regard. CARE Foundation and its adoption of government schools is a good example.
SADIA AHMED
Lahore
It's a very genuine observation. In my opinion health and education should be prime responsibility of a good Govt to focus on. These are important to improve human being and progress of nation. These are core necessaries
Beside public and private partnership, its actually government’s responsibility. The feudals in Pakistan, who are also running the government show don’t want to see people educated.
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