Safia Ramzan
The command of revelation to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in Islam started with “Iqra”, which means “read”. According to Islamic teachings, education is obligatory, and the Quran encourages people to develop their abilities and traits through education. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, soon after the creation of Pakistan in 1947, emphasized the significance of education and its crucial role in shaping the future of the state. The constitution of Pakistan was amended in 2010 to include Article 25A, mandating free and compulsory education for children aged five to sixteen years.
Despite these constitutional obligations, millions of children in Pakistan are out of school, with a significant percentage being girls, underprivileged, disabled, and in hard-to-reach areas. Even among those who attend school, many struggle with basic reading comprehension. Investment in education has been decreasing, with only a small percentage of the GDP allocated to education in recent years.
A recent education emergency declaration has drawn attention to the urgent need to address these challenges. However, this is not the first time such a declaration has been made, and previous efforts have not yielded substantial results. The learning crisis in Pakistan poses a threat to the country’s future prosperity and national security, as evidenced by its low ranking on the World Bank Human Capital Index in the South Asian region.
Pakistan’s rich historical and cultural legacy, along with its significant achievements in scientific and technical fields, highlight its potential for progress and development. However, addressing the education crisis is crucial for realizing this potential. Investments in early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare, and skills development are essential to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to contribute to a productive and prosperous Pakistan. It is imperative to prioritize building climate-resilient schools, ensuring access for girls and differently-abled children, and addressing the root causes of children dropping out of school.
The urgent focus now is on ensuring universal access to quality education and reducing the number of out-of-school children through a well-funded and implemented action plan. The plan sets ambitious but achievable targets to reduce the number of out-of-school children and ensure that all children can read at age 10. By making concerted efforts to fulfil these targets, we can build a brighter future for the children of Pakistan and create a more prosperous society for all.
The importance of emergency education for Pakistan’s state and society cannot be overstated. Pakistan faces numerous challenges in the education sector, ranging from low literacy rates to insufficient resources and infrastructure. The need for emergency education measures is crucial to address these issues and pave the way for a brighter future for Pakistan.
First and foremost, education lays the foundation for a prosperous and progressive society. By investing in emergency education initiatives, the Pakistani state can empower its citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. Education plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty and equipping individuals with the tools to secure better livelihoods.
Moreover, an educated populace is essential for the stability and growth of the state. Education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities. A well-educated society is more likely to actively participate in the democratic process, leading to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Furthermore, education is integral to addressing prevalent social issues in Pakistan. By promoting education, particularly among marginalized communities, the state can combat prevalent societal problems such as gender disparity, child labour, and religious intolerance. Education serves as a catalyst for societal change, fostering tolerance, inclusivity, and social harmony.
In addition, a robust education system is vital for economic progress. By investing in emergency education measures, Pakistan can harness the potential of its human capital and cultivate a skilled workforce. This, in turn, attracts investment, drives innovation, and fosters economic growth, ultimately benefiting the state and society as a whole.
To realize the full potential of emergency education, it is imperative for the Pakistani state to prioritize funding and resource allocation to the education sector. Adequate infrastructure, well-trained educators, and accessible schooling facilities are essential components of a successful emergency education program.
Therefore, the importance of emergency education for Pakistan’s state and society cannot be overstated. By prioritizing education, the Pakistani state can address a myriad of social, economic, and political challenges, paving the way for a more prosperous and harmonious society. It is crucial for all stakeholders to recognize the pivotal role of education and work collectively towards ensuring equal access to quality education for all Pakistani citizens.
