-By ArdorComm News Network
May 1, 2024
Pakistan is grappling with a staggering 26.2 million out-of-school children, prompting the government to plan a four-year education emergency to address pressing issues in the sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to announce this groundbreaking initiative soon, highlighting the urgent need to tackle challenges such as the high number of out-of-school children and deficiencies within the education system.
Originally scheduled for Tuesday, a conference chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the education emergency was postponed due to prior commitments. However, the importance of the matter remains significant, driving a strong push for transformative change in the education landscape.
Pakistan’s education sector faces significant challenges, including a low literacy rate of 62 percent and inadequate allocation of resources, with only 1.7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dedicated to education.
Disparities in access to essential facilities, such as sanitation and potable water, further exacerbate challenges, particularly in marginalized communities. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has been advocating for declaring a national education emergency, emphasizing the need for concerted action to mitigate the crisis. Recent statistics from Pakistan Education Statistics reveal that 39 percent of children in the country are out of school, highlighting the urgency of overhauling the education system.
The proposed National Conference on Education Emergency aims to mobilize collaborative efforts from stakeholders to devise holistic strategies and initiatives. Attended by chief ministers, development partners, diplomats, and educationists, the conference seeks to address the root causes of educational inequities.