Education is universally recognized as the cornerstone of a nation’s progress. It serves as the engine of innovation, economic development and social transformation. Countries that prioritize education not only invest heavily in the sector but also design systems that encourage critical thinking, creativity and adaptability. These are skills essential for thriving in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world. Once Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Unfortunately Pakistan’s educational system, particularly at the university level, remains far from this ideal, with deep-rooted structural flaws that hinder the development of its youth. One of the most concerning aspects of Pakistan’s education system is the sheer number of children who remain out of school over 26 million, making it one of the highest rates in the world. Even for those who are fortunate enough to attend school, the quality of education often leaves much to be desired.
The failure of Pakistan’s education system can be traced to several root causes, most notably the widespread practice of rote learning. Universities, which should be spaces of intellectual curiosity and innovation, often promote memorization rather than critical thinking. Curricula, designed years ago, have not kept pace with global educational trends, rendering the knowledge imparted outdated and irrelevant. As John Dewey, the renowned American philosopher of education, famously said, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
Pakistan’s approach to education is, unfortunately, emblematic of this outdated model, where the emphasis on memorizing facts stifles curiosity and the ability to think critically. In some cases, appointments are based on political connections rather than academic merit. Political affiliations often outweighed professional competency in hiring decisions.
As a result, students were deprived of the mentorship needed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, essential tools for success in today’s competitive world. Beyond academic shortcomings, universities across Pakistan, including AWKUM, also grapple with a toxic culture of harassment. In most public universities, the overarching priority is not academic excellence but the sheer volume of enrollments.
This ‘quantity over quality’ mindset leads to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of resources, further diluting the standard of education. In their pursuit of numbers, universities often neglect to improve the quality of education, leaving millions of graduates unprepared for the job market. The quality of education in Pakistan is directly linked to broader issues such as youth unemployment, economic stagnation and social disillusionment. Many graduates find themselves adrift, their degrees little more than pieces of paper with little value in a competitive job market. Pakistan’s universities must shift away from rote learning and adopt curricula that prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity. By fostering an environment that encourages inquiry and innovation, universities can better equip students to tackle future challenges.
Pakistan universities must choose the latter path transforming education into a tool for empowerment and societal change. Furthermore, it is crucial to raise teaching standards by hiring qualified, motivated faculty and implementing faculty development programs to ensure continuous improvement. In a nutshell, the failure of Pakistan’s education system is not just an academic issue; it has far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future. Education is the cornerstone of progress, in every society, in every family. It is time to overhaul our education system. To secure a better future and position Pakistan within the global economy, a fundamental shift in our approach to education is imperative.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
