THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN

The education system in Pakistan is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Education and the
provincial governments. The federal government plays a role in curriculum development,
accreditation, and the financing of research and development. The education system is
divided into six levels: preschool, primary, middle, high, intermediate, and university
programs.

Preschool: Preschool education is available for children aged 3 to 5 years.

Primary: Primary education covers years one to five.

Middle: Middle education includes years six to eight.

High: High education encompasses years nine and ten, leading to the Secondary School
Certificate (SSC).

Intermediate: Intermediate education includes years eleven and twelve, leading to a

Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC).

University: University programs offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) established in 2002 is responsible for overseeing
universities and degree-awarding institutes in Pakistan. The HEC plays a crucial role in
maintaining quality standards and promoting research and development in higher education
institutions.

Despite improvements in recent years, Pakistan still faces challenges in achieving high
literacy rates. The literacy rates vary across the country, ranging from 82% in Islamabad to
23% in the Torghar District. Gender disparities also exist, with lower literacy rates among
females, particularly in tribal areas where female literacy is 9.5%. Efforts are being made to
improve access to education for all children, especially the most disadvantaged.

Pakistan has been grappling with a significant number of out-of-school children. An

estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 are out-of-school, representing 44% of the total
population in this age group. Factors such as gender, socio-economic status, and geography
contribute to these disparities. Girls, in particular, face challenges in accessing education,
with higher dropout rates at various stages.

Improving education indicators and addressing the out-of-school children issue remain key
challenges in Pakistan. The government, along with organizations like UNICEF, is working to
increase enrollment, improve retention rates, and enhance the overall quality of education in
the country. Adequate financing, enforcement of policy commitments, equitable
implementation, and data monitoring are some areas that require attention to ensure
education access and retention, especially for marginalized groups.

It's important to note that the Pakistani education system exhibits regional variations, and
factors such as socio-economic status and gender can influence educational opportunities
and outcomes. Access to quality education remains a priority for Pakistan as it strives to
provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 5 to 16 years, as mandated by
Article 25-A of the Constitution.
 FACTORS THAT DAMAGE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN:

1. Out-of-School Children: Pakistan has a significant number of out-of-school children,

estimated at 22.8 million aged 5-16. This represents 44% of the total population in this
age group. Factors such as gender disparities, socio-economic status, and geographical
disparities contribute to the high number of children not attending school.

2. Gender Discrimination: Gender bias is a significant issue in the education system of

Pakistan. The literacy rate among females is considerably lower compared to males.
Only 48% of females are literate, while the male literacy rate is around 70%. Gender
discrimination limits access to education for girls and hampers their educational
opportunities.

3. Racial Discrimination: Racial discrimination, particularly due to political influences,

poses a danger to higher education institutes. Minority groups face challenges and
barriers in accessing education opportunities.

4. Insufficient Infrastructure: The lack of adequate infrastructure, especially in rural

areas, is a major obstacle to education in Pakistan. Many rural areas lack sufficient
schools, resulting in limited access to education for children residing in these regions.
Ghost schools, which are non-functional schools that exist on paper, further exacerbate
the problem.

5. Economic Constraints: The economic condition of families plays a significant role in

limiting access to education. Lower socioeconomic status often forces families to
prioritize work over education, leading to children being withdrawn from school to
contribute to household income.

6. Inadequate Funding: Insufficient allocation of funds for education is another factor

hindering the development of the education system in Pakistan. The country has
consistently allocated a lower percentage of its GDP to education, with the budget falling
below the recommended threshold of 4%. In recent years, education expenditures
ranged from 1.77% to 2.12% of GDP, limiting the resources available for educational
improvement.

7. Political Influences: Political factors in Pakistan have negatively influenced the

education system. Religious extremism, influenced by political parties, has had an
adverse impact on the system. Regional disagreements, language issues, and political
instability have also affected educational growth.

These factors, among others, contribute to the challenges faced by the education system in
Pakistan and hinder its progress in providing quality education to all segments of society.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive efforts and strategic interventions to ensure
equitable access to education and improve the overall educational landscape in the country.
TO OVERCOME FACTORS THAT ARE AFFECTING PAKISTAN'S EDUCATION SYSTEM

1. Increase Education Budget: Allocate a higher percentage of the GDP to education.

Currently, Pakistan spends only 1.77% of its GDP on education, which is significantly
lower than the recommended 4% by UN agencies. Increasing the education budget can
provide more resources for improving infrastructure, hiring qualified teachers, and
implementing educational reforms.

2. Enhance Teacher Training and Qualification: Focus on improving the quality of

teachers by providing them with better training and professional development
opportunities. Emphasize the recruitment of qualified and competent teachers to ensure
that students receive a high standard of education.

3. Curriculum Reforms: Implement a standardized national curriculum that focuses on

modern teaching methodologies, critical thinking skills, and practical application of
knowledge. The curriculum should be regularly updated to align with global standards
and meet the needs of the changing world.

4. Address Gender Disparities: Take measures to eliminate gender disparities in

education. Promote girls' education and provide equal opportunities for boys and girls.
Create safe and inclusive learning environments that encourage female enrollment and
retention in schools.

5. Improve Access to Education: Ensure that all children, particularly those from
marginalized communities, have access to quality education. Focus on reducing the
number of out-of-school children by implementing strategies such as awareness
campaigns, providing scholarships, and improving school infrastructure in underserved
areas.

6. Strengthen Early Childhood Education: Invest in early childhood education to lay a

strong foundation for children's learning and development. Promote the establishment of
quality pre-primary education centers and integrate early childhood education into the
education system.

7. Enhance Education Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop a robust monitoring and

evaluation system to track educational outcomes and identify areas that require
improvement. Regularly assess the effectiveness of educational policies and programs to
ensure they are achieving their intended goals.

8. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government,

private sector, and civil society organizations to address the challenges in the education
sector. Public-private partnerships can help mobilize resources, expertise, and innovative
approaches to improve education quality and accessibility.

It is important to note that these are just some of the strategies that can contribute to
overcoming the challenges facing Pakistan's education system. A comprehensive and multi-
faceted approach involving various stakeholders is necessary to bring about significant
improvements in the education sector.