How to Improve the Education System in Pakistan
Improving Pakistan’s education system is not just about classrooms and textbooks—it’s about shaping the future of the nation. With over 22.8 million out-of-school children (UNICEF), deep systemic reforms are urgently needed. Let’s explore the key pillars of transformation.
1. Harnessing Adequate Funding & Public-Private Synergies
Pakistan invests only 2–2.5% of its GDP in education—far below the UNESCO recommended 4–6%. This underinvestment limits infrastructure development, teacher salaries, and learning resources.
Initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) offer stipends to low-income families, helping increase school enrollment. Likewise, Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) and Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) use public-private partnerships to improve quality and access.
Action Point: Increase education budget, expand PPP models, and ensure transparent budget oversight to avoid issues like ghost schools.
2. Revamping the Curriculum: From Rote to Relevance
The current curriculum—rooted in the 1973 National Education Policy—encourages rote memorization over critical thinking and problem-solving (Republic Policy).
A lack of standardization across public schools, private schools, and madrassas creates learning disparities (Pakistan Gazette).
Solution: Develop a unified, modern curriculum that integrates STEM, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and soft skills. Involve educators, employers, and communities to ensure relevance to the job market.
3. Elevating Teacher Quality & Professional Growth
Many teachers in Pakistan lack formal training or ongoing professional development (Educare PK). This directly impacts student performance.
Strategy: Introduce continuous professional development (CPD) programs focusing on modern teaching methods and digital tools. Increase salaries and benefits to attract top talent.
Example: Singapore’s teacher training model—where educators receive 100 hours of training annually—can inspire reforms.
4. Bridging the Gender Gap & Promoting Inclusive Education
Pakistan has the second-highest number of out-of-school children globally, with girls disproportionately affected (Gender Gap in Pakistan – Wikipedia). Female literacy is around 45.8%, compared to 69.5% for males.
Barriers include poverty, cultural norms, safety concerns, and lack of facilities.
Recommendations:
– Offer scholarships and stipends to girls.
– Build female-friendly facilities (separate washrooms, secure campuses).
– Recruit more female teachers in rural areas.
– Run awareness campaigns to highlight the economic benefits of educating girls.
5. Strengthening Infrastructure & Closing Equity Gaps
Many rural schools lack electricity, safe drinking water, functional washrooms, and even boundary walls (The Pakistan Gazette).
Action Ideas:
– Prioritize infrastructure upgrades in rural and underserved areas.
– Provide basic amenities in all schools.
– Use geospatial mapping to identify areas with the greatest infrastructure needs.
6. Integrating Technology & Expanding Digital Learning
Technology can bridge urban-rural education gaps. Programs like HEC’s partnership with Coursera offer 8,000+ free online courses to students. The Jazz Parho initiative provides data packages and apps for remote learning.
In 2024, Allied Corporation and Google signed a deal to locally manufacture 500,000 Chromebooks by 2025.
Action Plan:
– Distribute affordable devices in rural schools.
– Expand broadband coverage.
– Train teachers to use digital tools effectively.
7. Reinforcing Governance & Ensuring Accountability
Corruption and inconsistent policy implementation weaken education delivery. Political interference in hiring and mismanagement of funds is widespread (Transparency International Pakistan).
Measures:
– Establish independent oversight bodies.
– Use community monitoring committees.
– Set long-term education strategies beyond election cycles.
8. Ensuring Safety & Resilience in Education
Security threats disrupt learning. In May 2025, a suicide bombing killed five, including three schoolgirls (AP News).
Strategies:
– Implement security protocols (trained guards, CCTV).
– Design school buildings with resilience in mind.
– Work with local communities to monitor safety.
9. Spotlight: The Sindh People’s School Program
Launched in 2022 by the Sindh Education Foundation, the People’s School Program aims to enroll 300,000 out-of-school children into free, English-medium schools run by NGOs.
The program focuses on modern teaching methods, inclusive education, and community engagement—making it a model worth replicating nationwide.
Conclusion: A Collective Path Forward
To reform Pakistan’s education system, we must:
– Increase funding and strengthen PPPs.
– Modernize and unify the curriculum.
– Elevate teacher quality.
– Ensure gender equity.
– Upgrade infrastructure.
– Integrate technology.
– Improve governance.
– Guarantee safety.
If implemented with commitment and transparency, these steps could turn Pakistan’s education system into a global success story.
