Assignment No.

1
Submitted To : Madam Samina
Submitted By : Aymen Ahmad
BS Eco, 2k12


KEY FLAWS IN PUBLIC SECTOR EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN
A sound education is the right of every individual and the responsibility to provide education to
the citizens lies on the shoulders of the government. In the present era of Knowledge Economy,
acquisition of education becomes imperative for a nations growth and prosperity. Hence the
government should ensure provision of quality education to its citizens on a priority basis.
The education system in Pakistan can be classified into the following major groups
Public Sector Funded and overseen by Federal & Local Government
Private Sector Owned by individuals and educational organizations
Madrassa Schooling Owned by individuals and other religious organizations
Following below is a synopsis of the public education sector in Pakistan, its flaws and the
remedial measures proposed for its betterment.
1) Lack of Quality Teachers & Teacher Training
The quality of teachers in public schools is deteriorating fast with an in increase in teacher
recruitments on the basis of political affiliations instead of merit based recruitments. There is an
absence of a formal mechanism of training and equipping teachers with the right tools and
attitude as well. This in turn affects the students learning outcomes.
2) Spending on Education
The government spends just about 2.5% of our GDP on education against the UNESCOs
standard of 5%. The government needs to improve the share of GDP on education.
3) Lack of Infrastructure & Facilities
There is a dearth of infrastructure for educational institutions in Pakistan.
4) Medium of Instruction
The prevalence of Urdu as a medium of instruction in government schools as opposed to English
in private schools creates a language divide between the pupils.
5) Uniformity of curriculum
The curriculum of public and private schools is poles apart. The differences lie in standards as
well as content. The disparity is present at a provincial level as well.
6) Political Interference
Schools are built by the political representatives not on need basis rather in areas where a
maximum publicity is generated for them.
7) No Check and Balance
The existence of ghost schools, persistent absence of teachers and staff from public schools
goes unnoticed and unchecked.
8) Absence of Incentive for Teachers
There is a lack of incentives to attract the best minds towards pedagogy and motivations for
teachers in field is lacking.

CORRECTIVE MEASURES
Following are the proposed remedial measures of the problems highlighted above.
The government should earmark a greater percentage of GDP for the education
sector of Pakistan. Instead of spending effusively on projects like Metro Bus etc.,
a greater allocation of funds for public schools and education should be
allocated.
Teacher Training programs should be initiated which should include seminars and
workshops to instruct teachers on quality teaching methodologies and student
psychology etc.
Infrastructure should be improved with better facilities of clean water and
washrooms besides chairs, tables, blackboards etc.
The medium of instruction should be the native language in the initial years.
Moreover uniformity should be achieved across all provinces as far as syllabus
and curriculum is concerned.
Political interference should be blocked as best as possible. The appointment of
inefficient staff merely because of their political affiliations has caused major
mayhem in public schools.
Last but not least, a formal body should be established which oversees the public
schools and ensures the presence of teachers and staff in all public schools.
Teachers emoluments should be raised in order to entice the brightest towards
the education sector. Motivation and Incentives should be arranged for teachers
so that they teach with dedication.