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Empowering public schools
Punjab has clarified its bold decision to privatize a significant portion of its public schools. This initiative involves transferring nearly 5,863 schools in the initial phase, with an addi-tional 4,000 schools to follow in the second and third phases. This sweeping public-private partnership aims to overhaul the province’s education system. Agreements have been signed with 21 NGOs, 12 educational chains, and one Ed-tech firm.
On paper, the privatization plan promises increased efficiency and better resource man-agement. The government’s commitment to bringing 1.8 million out-of-school children back into classrooms is commendable, as is the plan to upgrade select primary schools to the ele-mentary level.
However, the real test lies in whether these lofty goals can be achieved with-out compromising the quality and accessibility of education. One of the most pressing con-cerns is the allocation of funds. The government’s provision of Rs650 per student per month to private entities raises questions about whether this amount is adequate to maintain, let alone improve, the degraded standard of education.
Critics argue that such a budget is insufficient to cover the comprehensive needs of run-ning a school – ranging from teacher salaries to facility maintenance – and could lead to cost-cutting measures that further harm the very students this initiative is supposed to benefit.
For example, the possibility of hiring teachers, some without adequate qualifications, at meagre salaries could potentially shift focus from delivering quality education to maintaining finan-cial efficiency.
NADIL RAHEEM BAKSH
Karachi
Impact of AI
The pervasive influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on modern education has sparked a contentious debate. While AI offers a range of benefits, its unbridled adoption poses a sig-nificant threat to students’ cognitive development and academic integrity. By relying excessively on AI-driven tools, students risk stifling their creative potential and sacrificing authentic learning experiences.
The ease with which AI-generated content can be replicated and presented as original work undermines the value of hard-earned knowledge and skills. This phenomenon not only per-petuates academic dishonesty but also fosters a culture of complacency, eroding the very foundations of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
If left unchecked, reliance on AI can have far-reaching consequences, including erosion of problem-solving skills, diminished creativity, lack of original thought, increased dependency on technology, and academic stagnation.
It is imperative that educators, policymakers and students themselves acknowledge the dual-edged nature of AI and strive for a balanced ap-proach that harnesses its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks.
I urge the government to take proactive measures to regulate the use of AI in education and promote a culture of au-thenticity, innovation and intellectual rigor.
Zainab Islam
Karachi
Tide Turns
Finally, after 34 months, inflation has dropped to a single digit, falling from 27.4% in August to 9.6% in September—a substantial change.
Hopefully, this will bring relief in the prices of fruits, vegetables, daily groceries and other essentials. Life in Pakistan had become increas-ingly difficult, leading many to contemplate leaving the country in search of better opportuni-ties abroad. While some have managed to emigrate, it is not an option for everyone.
The government must prioritize providing relief to the public, especially by making basic necessities more af-fordable. After all, who truly wants to leave their homeland? Everyone dreams of living in their own country, on their own soil.
HIRA AYAZ
Islamabad
Hunting birds
I am writing to bring to the higher authorities’ attention a pressing concern in Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan. The indiscriminate hunting of birds and animals has become widespread in the region, posing a significant threat to the environment and ecosystem.
While hunting has been a traditional practice in Balochistan, it now has devastating conse-quences. Birds and animals play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature and the beauty of our environment. Continued hunting could lead to irreparable damage to our eco-system. urge the government to take immediate action to curb hunting in Balochistan. Implementing effective conservation measures and enforcing laws to protect wildlife will help preserve the natural beauty of our province. Please take the necessary steps to protect our environment and put an end to the hunting of animals and birds.
Saleh Ali Jan
Awaran
