Islamabad, Dec 12: Pakistan faces a significant educational crisis, with 26 million out-of-school children and only 5% receiving quality education, according to the “National Education Policy Development Framework 2024.” Launched by Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the document highlights challenges such as limited access to higher education, with only 12% of the eligible population enrolled, and an alarming 40% of children stunted by age five.
The framework emphasizes the need for quality improvements across all levels of education. In higher education, it identifies deficiencies in teaching, research, and alignment with global and economic standards. Research in STEM fields remains subpar, requiring investment in facilities, industry collaboration, and curricula tailored to market demands.
Dr. Siddiqui stressed the urgency of addressing educational gaps, warning of the risk of youth irrelevance in the era of artificial intelligence. He also criticized Pakistan’s historic neglect in implementing education policies, citing indecision over the medium of instruction and the persistence of “ghost schools.”
The framework advocates for equitable, market-aligned technical education and improved literacy rates. Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani emphasized foundational skill deficits, resource challenges, and disparities as major obstacles to policy execution. Contributions from provincial representatives were integral to shaping the document, which aims to guide regional education strategies.
Education minister Rahila Durrani and other officials called for collaborative efforts to address regional challenges, including teacher shortages and infrastructural deficiencies. The framework, viewed as a critical step for reform, sets the stage for comprehensive provincial education policies.
