Education reform

The emphasis on higher education at the expense of foundational learning in primary schools has led to a system focused more on profits than knowledge. Students face immense pressure to excel in exams, leading to stress and depression. Private institutions, driven by financial gain, charge exorbitant fees, while government institutions see soaring merit requirements.

The system prioritizes grades over skills and learning readiness, exacerbating educational disparities. Reform is urgent: the government must prioritize education, ensure uniformity in curricula, and hire teachers based on merit. Lowering fees and making primary education free can ease the financial burden on parents, while scholarships should support talented and underprivileged students.

Asifa Kiran

Karachi