In today’s world, education is more than a necessity – it is the cornerstone of intellectual growth, critical thinking, and societal progress. It serves as the backbone of any nation’s development. Yet in Pakistan, the education system is in crisis. More than 26 million children are out of school, while 43 million enrolled students are not learning up to standard. Pakistan has failed to provide its youth with quality education. The nation’s future is shaped in classrooms, but Pakistan’s classrooms tell a story of neglect, inequality, and missed opportunities. Without urgent reform, the country risks an unskilled workforce, economic stagnation, and diminished global relevance.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Inclusive education is a basic right of every child, yet Pakistan’s education sector remains deeply neglected. Stark disparities exist between urban and rural areas in funding, access to qualified staff, and even basic facilities. While urban schools may offer relatively better education, rural schools often lack the essentials. Students from privileged institutions have an advantage in the job market, while others – despite similar qualifications – are left behind due to institutional bias. Resumes are often judged based on alma maters, reinforcing systemic inequity.
This divide is further compounded by the existence of multiple classes within the system: under-resourced public schools, expensive private schools, and elite institutions with unaffordable fees. Even within the same city, students with similar academic capabilities face vastly different educational outcomes due to institutional disparities. Those who manage to study abroad often find themselves unprepared to compete globally.
Pakistan’s higher education sector fares no better. Universities offer degrees with limited real-world value, often relying on outdated curricula that fail to meet current industry needs. As a result, graduates are frequently unemployed or underemployed. The lack of university-industry collaboration severely restricts job opportunities. With emerging fields like digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability shaping the future, Pakistan must urgently modernize its curriculum to equip students with relevant, future-facing skills.
Compared to developed nations, Pakistan lags behind in both educational standards and access. Countries that prioritize research, skill-based learning, and innovation produce graduates ready for the workforce. In contrast, Pakistan continues to rely on rote learning rather than fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The lack of vocational training and modern teaching methods contributes to rising unemployment and an underprepared labor force.
A study revealed that 72% of teachers cited a lack of training, and 80% pointed to inadequate resources as the biggest obstacles to inclusive education. Many educators lack formal qualifications and rely on outdated methods. Teaching remains a low-paid, unregulated profession, with little oversight. Qualified teachers often avoid rural postings, leaving underprivileged students to learn from undertrained or absent instructors.
Gender inequality also continues to plague the system. Cultural barriers, societal expectations, and inadequate support structures hinder female students from accessing quality education. Research and development – key drivers of innovation – are underfunded and underprioritized. Bureaucratic red tape, lack of resources, and minimal research culture limit the country’s academic and scientific progress.
Additional systemic issues include political interference in educational institutions, inconsistent policies, and limited accessibility in rural areas. Societal pressure often forces students into conventional career paths like medicine or engineering, regardless of their interests or aptitudes, to maintain social prestige.
Pakistan’s poor performance in education is reflected in the Global Competitiveness Index, where it ranks 129th out of 137 countries. Administrative inefficiencies are rampant. Political appointments in universities, delayed promotions, and the lack of professional development hinder effective governance. Education funds are frequently delayed or mismanaged, depriving students of essential resources.
Infrastructure development is limited to major cities like Lahore and Islamabad, forcing students from smaller towns to relocate – further burdening already overpopulated urban centers.
Reforming Pakistan’s education system requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy. This includes increasing the education budget, eliminating political interference, modernizing curricula, investing in teachers, improving infrastructure, and integrating technology. Merit-based appointments and promotions should be standard. Women’s education must be prioritized, and quality checks must be implemented across institutions.
While change won’t happen overnight, it can begin with small but meaningful steps – such as introducing mobile teaching units in remote areas and gradually building schools with qualified staff. Every child, regardless of background, deserves equal access to quality education.
An educated population is the key to unlocking Pakistan’s full potential – fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and securing a better future for generations to come. With decisive reform, Pakistan can transform its education system and become a competitive force on the global stage.
The writer is a freelance columnist.