ISLAMABAD Interviewed By Usman Paracha
In an insightful discussion with Aleena Chaudhary, an educationist and lecturer at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), critical issues and evolving trends in Pakistan’s education system were brought to light. Aleena Chaudhary told Usman Paracha, about a range of challenges that hinder the growth and inclusivity of the education sector, while also reflecting on emerging trends shaping its future.
When asked about the contemporary state of education, Aleena Chaudhary pointed out that access and enrollment remain pressing concerns. Despite efforts to improve primary education, many children, especially in rural and impoverished areas, struggle to stay in school. High dropout rates stem from economic pressures, child labor, and societal factors such as early marriages. The divide between urban and rural educational access further exacerbates inequalities, with rural schools often lacking basic facilities and resources.
On the topic of quality, Aleena underscored deficiencies in the curriculum, which is often outdated and overly focused on rote learning. “We need a curriculum that fosters critical thinking and practical skills,” she emphasized. She also pointed out the lack of teacher training as a significant barrier to delivering quality education. “Many teachers do not receive the professional development they need, which directly impacts student outcomes,” she added. Infrastructure deficiencies, such as poorly equipped classrooms and inadequate sanitation facilities, also remain pervasive challenges.
Addressing inequality, Aleena shed light on the gender disparities and socio-economic barriers that hinder access to education. Girls, particularly in rural and conservative areas, face numerous challenges, including safety concerns, societal norms, and a shortage of female teachers. Meanwhile, students from low-income families often cannot afford school-related expenses, leading to lower enrollment and higher dropout rates. Additionally, the provision for children with disabilities is alarmingly insufficient, with special education services either underdeveloped or completely absent in many regions.
Turning to higher education, Aleena highlighted the gap between academic programs and industry needs. Many institutions struggle with outdated curricula, limited research opportunities, and inadequate funding. “Our higher education system is not aligned with the demands of the modern job market,” she remarked. The lack of investment in research and development also hampers the growth of a knowledge-based economy.
Policy and governance issues further complicate the education landscape. While policies are formulated with good intentions, their implementation often falls short due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor coordination between federal and provincial governments. Aleena criticized the lack of accountability and transparency in educational governance, which allows mismanagement and corruption to persist.
Cultural and social barriers, she noted, also play a significant role in shaping the education system. Cultural attitudes, particularly towards girls’ education, remain a significant hurdle in certain communities. The integration of religious education with mainstream curricula continues to be a contentious issue, reflecting broader debates about the balance between secular and religious instruction.
Discussing technological challenges, Aleena acknowledged the growing interest in educational technology (EdTech) but lamented the significant digital divide. “Many students, especially in rural areas, lack access to technology and the internet, which hinders their ability to benefit from modern educational tools,” she explained. The effective integration of EdTech into classrooms is further complicated by infrastructure gaps and a lack of teacher training.
Funding, or the lack thereof, emerged as another critical issue. “The education sector is consistently underfunded,” Aleena observed, adding that resource allocation often prioritizes urban areas, leaving rural regions behind. This underinvestment impacts everything from infrastructure development to teacher salaries and the provision of learning materials.
Finally, she addressed the examination-centric nature of Pakistan’s education system. “Our focus on rote learning and exam performance stifles creativity and critical thinking,” she stated, advocating for an overhaul of the assessment system to emphasize problem-solving and real-world applications.
Despite these challenges, Aleena expressed optimism about the future of education in Pakistan. She highlighted recent government initiatives, such as the Ehsaas Education Stipends Program, and the growing involvement of NGOs and the private sector in addressing educational disparities. There is also increasing recognition of the need to integrate modern skills such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training into the curriculum.
“In the face of these challenges, there are opportunities for positive change,” Aleena concluded. “With comprehensive reform, sustained investment, and community engagement, we can create an inclusive and dynamic education system that meets the needs of our society.”
This conversation underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the multifaceted issues plaguing Pakistan’s education sector while leveraging emerging trends to drive progress.
