Education in Pakistan

(policies and policy formation)

Post independence education

All Pakistan education conference 1947
After freedom in 1947 a conference was arranged to structure the education system of Pakistan. Quaid-e-azam could not attend this due to illness, but he forwarded his message which later laid down the foundation for recommendations of education policy. His message contained four major aspect;
1). Education system should suit the genius of Pakistan.
2) It should be consonant with our history and culture.
3) It should inculcate high sense of honor and integrity.
4) It should emphasis on science and technology.
The major recommendations of the conference were:
Education should be teamed with Islamic values.
Free and compulsory education in Pakistan.
Emphasis on science and technical education.
Implementation:
This policy could not be implemented properly due to increased number of immigrants and other administrative problems of new born country. So more or less british colonial system was continued.

Report on commission on national education, 1959
The commission on national education is a beacon for educational history of Pakistan because of its thorough study of Pakistani culture and need of the people.
Its recommendations were as follows:
1. Character building.
2. Compulsory primary education.
3. Subject was bifurcated in core and additional subjects.
4. National language as medium of instruction.
5. Focus on science and technical education.
6. Examination system should be combination of internal (25%) and external (75%) evaluation.
7. Elimination of illiteracy.
8. Religious education should be introduced in three stage i.e. compulsory at middles level, optional at secondary level and research at university level.
9. Establishment of university grants commission.
10. Three-year degree program.
Implementation:
Although it was an excellent policy, but it failed due to lack of proper planning and implementation. The proposal of three-year degree program created unrest among students and parents and this was withdrawn.
Education policy 1970
This policy has following salient features:
Emphasis on ideological orientation.
Emphasis on science and technology education.
Decentralization of educational administration.
Eradication of illiteracy.
Formation of national education corps.
Implementation:
This policy was not implemented due to change in government.
Education policy 1972-1980
Salient features of this policy are.
1. Promotion of ideology of Pakistan
2. Personality development.
3. Equality in education.
4. Universal education.
5. Curriculum based on socioeconomic needs of the society.
6. Integrated technical and science education.
7. Active participation of teacher, students and parents in educational affairs.
8. Nationalization of educational institutions.
Implementation:
This policy was a good approach towards betterment, but has many drawbacks due to which it cannot be achieved thoroughly e.g. universal basic education, shift towards agrotechnical studies etc.
National educational policy, 1979
In 1979 National Educational Conference was held for reviewing the education system and developed following aims:
Fostering loyalty to Islam.
Creation of concept of muslim Ummah.
Promotion of science and technical education.
Equal opportunities.
The following strategies were suggested to achieve above goals:
1. Curriculum revision.
2. Merging madarsa and traditional education.
3. Urdu as a medium of education.
4. Effective participation of community in literacy programs.
5. Linked scientific and technical education.
6. Separate instates for male and female.
7. Mosque schools.
Implementation;
This policy was not implemented properly and failed due to lack of planning and financial resources.
National education Policy, 1992-2002
This was announced in December 1992. the major aspect, aims and goals are as follows:
1. Promotion of Islamic values through education.
2. Improvement in women education.
3. Diversification of general and technical education at secondary level.
4. Demand oriented curriculum.
5. Expended span of graduation and post graduation.
6. Use of AV aids promoting private sector to participate in enhancement of literacy.
Implementation:
This policy could not be implemented due to change in political scenario of country.
National education policy 1998-2010
Major objectives of this policy were as follows;
1. To make the Quaranic principles and Islamic practices an integral part of education system.
2. To achieve universal primary education.
3. To meet the basic educational needs of every individual.
4. To expand the basic education.
5. To ensure equal opportunity of higher education.
6. Laid emphasis on diversification.
7. To make curriculum development a continuous process.
8. To introduce in-service training programs for betterment of education.
Suggestions for achievement of above goals were:
Diversification of curriculum.
Expansion and emphasis on technical and science education.
Upgrading the quality of Deeni Madaras.
Teacher training programs both pre and in service.
Introduction of idea of multiple text book.
Development of National Testing Services.
Introduction of comprehensive monitoring system.
Education sector reform 2110---2005
This originated from the policy of 1998-2010 and focuses on development of human resources. The major thrust areas of ESR are as follows:
1. Promulgation of compulsory education.
2. Free text books.
3. Equal access to opportunities of learning.
4. Improving all aspects in quality education.
5. Introduction of new educational curricula.
6. Development of training learning resources and materials.
7. Offering incentives for private sector.
8. Introduction of computer course at all levels.
9. Strengthening of research in higher education.
10. Grant for affiliation of madarsas.
Now a days draft of new educational policy of education is in process of development.