Seeking pledges for education
As general elections approach, a group of civil society organisations is demanding the prioritisation of education in manifestoes of all political parties. The demands outlined by the Vote for Safe Education consortium are a clarion call for a seismic shift, placing education at the forefront of the national agenda. The agenda has been developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including marginalised groups across the country.
Education revolution beckons as 25 to 28 million children in Pakistan face exclusion
Islamabad:In a resounding call for national reckoning, Zehra Arshad, the Executive Director of the Society for Access to Quality Education (SAQE) and National Coordinator of the Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE), declared a state of emergency for education in Pakistan. With an estimated 25 to 28 million children currently out of school, Arshad asserted, "We, as a nation, no longer have the luxury to treat education with indifference and neglect that consequent governments have meted out in the past."
Putting education first
As Pakistan prepares for general elections, it is imperative that the education agenda takes centre stage in the political discourse. For too long, education has been treated as a subject of marginal consequence. This neglect has resulted in an overwhelming population of young people who are illiterate and unskilled and, therefore, lack favourable prospects in the global market.
Towards a climate-resilient education system
It has been almost 13 years since the passage of the 18th constitutional amendment and the inclusion of Article 25-A, pledging free, compulsory, and quality education for every Pakistani child between the age of 5 and 16 years. Pakistan is also a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030). Under SDG 4, i.e., equitable education, it is committed to ensuring 100 percent enrolment and retention by the year 2030.
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