ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday highlighted the need for a uniformed educational setup across the country.
While presiding over a three-member bench, Nisar questioned if it is possible for all children across the country to have “one book, one bag and one uniform”. He added that children should not be discriminated against. Stressing over the need for uniformity in the country’s educational setup, the chief justice remarked “there is no better jewel than education”.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) against a ruling of the Lahore High Court (LHC). The December 2017 ruling of the LHC had declared PMDC illegal while annulling its 2016 regulations for admission to MBBS and BDS in medical colleges.
“The education of children between the ages of 5 and 16 is the state’s responsibility. Is the state doing its job? Is the Article 25A of the constitution just for show?” remarked the chief justice while reminding the state of its responsibilities during a hearing on the legal status and regulations of the PDMC.
PMDC counsel Akram Sheikh while agreeing with the chief justice alleged that O-level students get preferential treatment.
“Feudal landlords do not allow educational institutions to be opened in their areas,” added Sheikh while drawing the court’s attention to the quality of education in the rural areas of the country.
Dr Asim Hussain’s lawyer Lateef Khosa was also present in Tuesday’s session.
“Thirty million children don’t go to school in Pakistan,” remarked Khosa. To this, the CJ asked, “Who will rectify this? Parliament is the supreme body. This loss of the children’s education is taking place because of you and us.”
It may be mentioned that the top court is focusing on human rights issues, especially those related to the quality education and healthcare, under its 2018 agenda.
