Constitutional
Right:
Education
is the basic right of human and according to Article-25-A of constitution of
Pakistan it is obligation of the state to provide free and compulsory
quality-education to children of the age group 3 to 16 years. Howsoever, the
condition of education system in Pakistan is ruthless. Government doesn’t take
interest in educational development programs and the lowest possible part of
the budget goes to Education Sector every year.
Current
Scenario:
Education
is integral part of democracy and democracy flourishes when literacy rate
increases in a nation. The current literacy rate of Pakistan is about 60% which
is comparatively higher than that of previous years. However the measure of
literacy in Pakistan is the capability of writing or reading one’s own name. So
in the given 60% not all are truly literate because being capable of writing
own name is not truly the definition of Literate.
In
such conditions where the educational system is distorted and vast majority is
illiterate the real democracy can never prevail. Majority of the nation is
illiterate and they cast their vote on family basis and/or against inducement.
They don’t have education and knowledge to analyze who is the best and fit for
the leading position.
What
Islam Says?
Even
the Quran says, “Literate and Illiterate can never be equal”. Islam also put
immense stress on seeking knowledge not only religious but also related to
other field of studies, “it is obligatory for every Man and Woman to seek
knowledge”, says Quran. Here the stress was on both the men and women equally
to seek education, but unfortunately in most of the areas of Pakistan the
Women-Education is discouraged and girls are not allowed to go into schools.
Causes
of Illiteracy:
There are number
of causes behind illiteracy in Pakistan. Out of all, few major ones are as
follows:
(i)
Corruption:
Corruption is the prime cause
of destruction of each and every department of Pakistan including education
department. From minister to school teacher each and every person is involved
in kind of corruption at his respective level.
(ii) Shortage of Funds:
The governmental
policies in respect of education are not much efficient. This might be because
they see no benefit from this department in the next election. Currently the
government is spending only 2% of its federal budget on education which is half
of the standard set by United Nation i.e. 4%.
(iii)
Ghost
School:
There are thousands of
Ghost-School existed in Pakistan. Ghost-school is a term refers to bogus
schools which are only existed in documentation but there isn’t any building
existing physical at spot. Such documented schools are created for the sake of
monetary corruption and land acquisition.
(iv)
Educational
Environment:
The educational environment of
Pakistan is itself a major cause of illiteracy. The teachers are not
well-educated; their level of English is horrible, cheating mafia is
tremendously active, no conceptual study program exists and solved guide books
are available for cramming. Such environment can provide certificate/degree but
it can never provide Education.
(v) Public Schools:
Majority
of the children go the public schools since they can’t afford to go to private
ones. Though the teachers of public schools are quite educated but due to lower
remuneration and less prestige in society they don’t take interest in teaching
students efficiently and effectively.
Recommendations:
(i)
Establishment of bigger school systems
quipped with advanced technology and highly qualified teachers.
(ii)
Enhancement in Salary and remuneration
of teachers to motivate them.
(iii)
Provide educational-allowance to poor
students so that they could be encouraged to go to school instead of working as
child-labor.
(iv)
Control corruption and ghost schools to
secure funds.
(v)
Increase educational budget at least up
to UN Standard i.e. 4%
(vi)
Introduce new educational systems for
conceptual and quality education.
(vii)
Encourage women education by awareness
campaigns throughout nation.
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