Education in Pakistan

Question 1

Importance of Education

Answer 1

Definition:
Education is a key factor for individual, societal, and state development.
Shapes natural talents, provides goal orientation, and builds confidence.
Plays a crucial role in character building, enhancing the quality of life, and poverty reduction.
Entitlement to Job and Professions:
Education provides skills and knowledge, enabling access to employment opportunities.
Educated citizens contribute to society by understanding their rights and duties.

Question 2

Educational Issues

Answer 2

Historical Efforts:
Commendable efforts since independence for spreading education.
Introduction of funding, facilities, and free primary education.
Resource Allocation:
Inadequate resource allocation, especially for infrastructure and research.
Majority allocated to salaries and administration, limiting facilities for development.
Low Literacy:
Overall literacy rate is 46%, with lower meaningful literacy and even lower female literacy.
Rural areas face significant challenges in achieving literacy.
Enrolment and Retention:
Challenges in enrolling all children, high dropout rates due to poverty and inadequate facilities.
Existence of “Ghost schools,” which are not functional.
Teachers Related Issues:
Shortage of qualified teachers, high student-teacher ratio, and lack of incentives.
Inadequate training, refresher courses, and facilities for effective teaching.
Examination System:
Exam system emphasizes memory over comprehension and depth of knowledge.
Students resort to last-minute preparation, leading to superficial learning and unfair means.
Politicization:
Political affiliations in educational institutions lead to violence and threats, damaging the educational environment.

Question 3

Kinds of Education

Answer 3

Primary:
Covers classes 1 to 5 and aims for universalization.
Middle Level:
Encompasses classes 6 to 8.
Secondary:
Includes classes 9 to 10.
Higher Secondary:
Covers classes 11 to 12.
Degree Level:
University-level education for 2 or 3 years, leading to a bachelor’s degree.
University, Post Graduate Level:
Includes M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., and specialized diplomas.
Professional:
Encompasses Medical, Dentistry, Engineering, Business, and Commerce fields.
Adult Education:
Designed for adults who missed education in their early years.
Distance Education:
Allows remote learning through institutions like Allama Iqbal Open University and Virtual University.
Privatization of Education:
Introduction of private schools, colleges, and universities, often expensive.
Military Foundations:
Institutions like Medical and IT education, National University of Science and Technology, Bharia University, Air Force University.
Modern Technology and Education:
Involves education in IT, Computers - software and hardware, using technology for improved access to knowledge.