Addressing the Challenges in Pakistan’s Education System
Pakistan’s education system has long been a topic of concern, with many experts highlighting its shortcomings. Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, recently emphasized that the country is lagging behind in the global race for development due to its class-based education system. He pointed out that since the establishment of Pakistan, education has never been a top priority for the rulers, leading to a decline in the quality of public schools.
At a certificate distribution ceremony in Peshawar, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman spoke about the deteriorating standards of public schools. He noted that people are increasingly enrolling their children in private institutions instead of government schools. This shift reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the current state of public education.
The Alkhidmat Bano Qabil Program has taken significant steps to address these challenges. The program, which offers free IT courses, has expanded to cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. In Peshawar, over 10,000 students have completed the courses, with laptops awarded to those who excelled. Additionally, 28 new courses have been introduced as part of the second phase, marking the official launch of Bano Qabil Phase II.
The event attracted a wide range of attendees, including prominent figures such as Professor Dr. Hafeezur Rehman, President of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, and Abdul Wasey, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Other notable guests included university professors, educationists, social media activists, journalists, students, and their parents.
Under the Bano Qabil Program, more than 186,000 students registered online last year for 16 different IT courses. The province conducted its largest-ever entry test at Islamia College Ground Peshawar, with over 25,000 students participating simultaneously. On Sunday, certificates were awarded to the first batch of students who successfully completed their courses.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stressed the importance of prioritizing education, especially for the youth, who make up over 65% of the population. He called on the government to allocate a significant portion of the budget towards education and to focus on bringing out-of-school children into educational institutions. He also highlighted the need for a unified curriculum, system, and language across the country to improve both education and national systems.
In addition to addressing domestic issues, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He urged the government of Pakistan to demonstrate moral courage by actively supporting the Palestinians on the international stage. He emphasized that silence is not an option in the face of such atrocities.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and laptops to the successful students, marking a significant milestone for the Alkhidmat Bano Qabil Program. The initiative continues to provide hope and opportunities for the youth, offering a pathway to better futures through education and skill development.
