Pakistan is entangled with multifaceted problems . However, the lack of accessibility of education is one of the major problems in Pakistan. The literacy rate is very low in comparison to other countries. According to the recent Pakistan Economic Survey, the literacy rate of Pakistan has declined from 60 percent to 58 percent. Moreover, Progress and prosperity cannot be maintained without the quality education and without the people equipped with human capital. With the majority of the population living below the poverty line and the destitute of basic living requirements, it is extremely difficult to attain academic knowledge in Pakistan.
Access to education is woefully deficient, especially for children and people living hand to mouth. According to a research 44 percent of children are out of schools. Balochistan has the highest percentage of dropouts that counts 70 percent, followed by Fata which has a percentage of 58 percent. The primary enrollment in Pakistan (50%) is less than Bangladesh (75%), India (77%) and Sri Lanka (100%).
Several factors contribute to this matter and one of them is the hefty amount of fees that are being charged from the citizens. When we compare the government and private sectors of education, it seems as if the two are different worlds with drastic difference between them. The infrastructure of public sector schools is poorly maintained. Similarly, the poor quality of education especially in the public sector and rural areas has led to an increase in out-of-school children (OOSC). When it comes to the private sector, it would be better if we say it is a money making business.
In order to get into these most popular, top-tier ‘brands’ of education, first you will have to pay the application fee, after that, the registration fee (apparently both are very different from each other). Then you will have to pay for the security deposit and the advanced monthly charges. Approximately around Rs.100, 000 to 150,000 are paid even before the child steps into the premises of the posh building.
Let’s not forget about the stationary, uniforms, books, transportations and various other expenses the education system entails. Even a small book with 10-15 pages costs mammoth amount. Besides this, many children are unable to understand the concepts of various subjects and so tuition centers are approached. These centers would charge havey fees as well.
Many children from the underprivileged families feel degraded and self-conscious in comparison to their class mates who belong from financially stable families. Their school bag, stationary and shiny cars, causes others to unintentionally compare themselves with them and can lead to a decline in their self-confidence. Indeed in the private sector there is a provision of better academic environment and quality in comparison to the public sector; however the obvious discrimination between the two is only harmful for the society as a whole.
Education is important and raising children righteously requires sacrifice. Regulations are needed to be set.
Pakistan needs one efficient, accessible and affordable education system that is equal and same for every person of the country and every class of the society. It is only then; we will be able to experience a true revolution that will help Pakistan to flourish and run efficiently. Education is everyone’s universal right. It should not be made a domain for a privileged few