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International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE)
Vol.3, No.2, June 2014, pp. 79~84
ISSN: 2252-8822 79
Journal homepage: http://iaesjournal.com/online/index.php/IJERE
Critical Analysis of the Problems of Education in Pakistan:
Possible Solutions
Iqbal Ahmad
1
, Kahil ur Rehman
2
, Asghar Ali
1
, Itbar Khan
1
, Fazal Akber Khan
1
1
Faculty of Education, Department of Education, University of Malakand, Pakistan
2
University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
Article Info ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received March 12, 2014
Revised April 20, 2014
Accepted May 26, 2014
Education lays the foundation for political, social and economic development
of any country. A viable education system enables the nation to achieve its
national goals. Pakistan as a developing country has faced critical problems
of education since its inception and therefore, the system of education has
failed to deliver according to the aspirations of the nation. There are various
factors responsible for this situation. This paper explores some of the critical
problems that have so far plagued the education system of Pakistan. On the
basis of critical review of available literature, the paper presents solutions to
the existing problems of the education system of Pakistan.
Keyword:
Education system
Critical problems
Solutions
Copyright © 2014 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science.
All rights reserved.
Corresponding Author:
Kahil ur Rehman,
University of Education,
Lahore, Pakistan.
Email: shahnavi777@hotmail.com
1. INTRODUCTION
Education is the road to national development. It creates sense of responsibility among the people.
On the basis of education people not only realize their duties but also know how to achieve their national,
societal and individual rights. One of the goals of education is to enable the people by enhancing their
general consciousness regarding their national and international position as global citizens. This realization
creates an atmosphere of trust and cooperation in the society. Education promotes economic development
and consequently people become prosperous and play their respective roles in the overall national
development [1]. Pakistan is a developing country. Its economy is weak. There is lack of political stability in
the country. Besides, the country is in the deep grip of increasing political turmoil, expanding terrorism,
incessant sectarian violence, social instability, and economic degeneration. All these problems are directly or
indirectly the offshoot of a weak, polarized and non-unified education system.
Today Pakistan is faced with many problems such as poverty, insecurity, sectarianism and terrorism
[2]. The reasons for these problems are lack of tolerance, lack of general awareness and illiteracy promoted
by an ineffective education system. The vital role of education has been neglected in Pakistan which has led
to low development in all fields of life. Education has been treated like a step child. The lowest budget has
been awarded to the system of education since the establishment of Pakistan which has weakened the
foundation of the quality in the education system. The education system, hence, has failed to raise the nation
economically, politically and socially. After lapse of half a century years and adoption of more than 25
educational polices, still the education system has badly failed to take the nation out of the increasing
economic, political and social quagmire [3].
ISSN: 2252-8822
80
The problems associated with the education system of Pakistan are lack of adequate budget, lack of
policy implementation, defective examination system, poor physical facilities, lack of teacher quality, lack of
implementation of education policies, directionless education, low enrollment, high scale dropouts, political
interference, outdated curriculum, corruption, poor management and supervision, lack of research, and lack
of uniformity [4]. The above mentioned problems could be solved by formulation of rational policies and
plan and by ensuring proper implementation of the policies [5]. Education is a nourishing force. It is the
constructive factor for any society [3]. Education enables people to work for their development and growth.
Hence education brings out the hidden potentialities of individuals and develops them.
2. GOALS OF EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN
The education system was envisioned by the founding fathers as the driving force behind all
national goals [5]. It was decided in the first national education conference 1974 held at Karachi that the
education system would work according to the national aspirations of Pakistan. The education system would
be truly related to the needs of the people of Pakistan. The father of the nation Quiad-e- Azam Muhammad
Ali Jinnah the main goal of the education system of Pakistan was to develop national character of Pakistani
generation [6]. This national character would contain high sense of responsibility, social integrity, selfless
service to the nation and morality on the part of the people of Pakistan.
For strengthening the role of education, various educational commissions were formed and
committees were constituted. But it is ironical to see that the implementation has been very poor [5]. Because
of this the quality of education in the country has suffered badly instead of making progress. Another
problem which has affected negatively the system is the widening gaps and distance between the educational
institutions and community. Parental involvement in the education process is vital for ensuring the quality
aspect. Home is the first school of a child. Without parental involvement in the process of education the
effective implementation of policies will remain a far cry. This will solve the problem of disparity as well [1].
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEMS OF EDUCATION
The education system of Pakistan despite of towering claims and plans faces the following problems
which are critically analyzed below;
