Daily Times

Sir: Why have our elected leaders forgotten that education is the most important element in the progress and uplift of a nation? Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), throughout his life, highlighted the value of education and so did his followers. Education brings prosperity, progress and humanity. This is what Imran Khan has been pressing for during his campaigns and dharnas (sit-ins). Imran Khan has vowed to implement one syllabus for both government and private schools simultaneously. All tuition centres must be shut down and declared prohibited. School timings should be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, including lunch and the games period. Thus there will be no homework and no time for evening tuition. The number of subjects should be four for primary classes, six for middle classes and eight for matriculation students. The government and private schools must issue syllabus books free of cost and the books should remain in school custody to be available for the next promoted classes. The national dress needs to be promoted as a school uniform and should be compulsory for all schools.

Long-term steps must be taken under such education reforms. All schools should be numbered on the basis of community and approximately a 3,000-house community should have one education centre from primary school to intermediate college. The school or college building should be located at the centre of the community where students arrive via free transport arranged by the government. The government must ensure 100 percent participation of the children where parents and notables are directly involved and ensure the students’ regular attendance. The system must guarantee career planning and job confirmation.

Education is the only remedy for all ills. Imran Khan or Nawaz Sharif, whoever is in power, no one can provide successful governance unless the education system is reformed and implemented in its true letter and spirit.

SHAFQAT SULTAN

Rawalpindi