Title: Pakistan's Road to Prosperity: Unleashing Potential through Inclusive Education and Development
By Riaz Laghari, Islamabad, September 10, 2023
Pakistan, located in the center of South Asia, faces numerous challenges that have left its people disgruntled and the rest of the world alarmed. As the globe reads the headlines and commentators debate the country's numerous problems, the country stands at a crossroads with its future hanging in the balance. In spite of this noise, there is a disturbing truth that sometimes goes unnoticed: the systematic neglect of human resource development and management, which leaves 99 percent of Pakistan's population disenfranchised and underserved, is the fundamental cause of the country's problems.
All around the nation, people run institutions, divisions, and organizations, and it is this human capital that is the fundamental driver of progress. However, Pakistan's ruling class, the fortunate 1%, sends their children to prominent overseas institutions and premium schools to make sure they get the best education possible. The 99 percent of Pakistanis who live in despair are still denied access to the high-quality education essential to create a lasting transformation.
Not only is this enormous discrepancy immoral, but it is also unsustainable. Without the active inclusion and participation of the remaining 99 percent, the 1 percent elite cannot bear the burden of managing the entire state. This conundrum can be resolved by making significant educational investments and creating competitive schools, colleges, and institutions that can compete with the rest of the world which is changing at a rapid pace. With its investment in Indian IT universities and other institutes and commitment to education and skill development, India serves as a shining example of this strategy. Numerous people from lower socioeconomic classes have risen into the middle class because to India's vision and spending, particularly women who have gained power via education and talent. We must stop taking women s a disused organ as skilled, educated women serve as a helping hand and contribute positively to the overall economic output.
The issue that arises therefore is why Pakistan has not chosen a similar path of growth. Why have we kept giving the rich 1% safe havens while disregarding the great bulk of the 99%'s unrealized potential? This limited viewpoint has kept Pakistan economically dependent since its founding, which is quirky in addition to assuring the continuance of a tragic circle of underdevelopment.
The most reliable method to escape this cycle is through inclusion for all, skill development, women empowerment, research and development, and education. This is the tried-and-true recipe that gave rise to India and China's success stories as they made investments in R&D and steadily climbed the ranks of the world's most innovative nations. Foreign investment of over 35 billion dollars is likely to be made in India after its successful moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, as an illustration of the enormous potential that can be tapped via wise investments in research and technology.
Take Singapore, a tiny country that has grown into a powerful economic force because to meticulous planning, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to education. On the other hand, Pakistan is lagging behind. How much longer are we willing to put up with this? is the query we should pose to ourselves.
Action must be taken immediately, or we run the risk of dooming upcoming generations to the same cycle of underdevelopment. People must come first because they are the reason the state is there, not the other way around. Only those who are intelligent, competent, loyal, and accountable can guarantee Pakistan's future.
Planning for the long-term future is crucial and needs to start right away. Any course of action comes with dangers and expenses, of course, but the repercussions of complacent passivity far outweigh these. As Eleanor Roosevelt famously remarked, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." A better, independent, free, wealthy, and inclusive Pakistan is my hope, one in which no one is left behind and every citizen assumes responsibility for our common national destiny, and determination determines destiny. I share this dream with you today. It is a dream that can only be achieved by making audacious, coordinated efforts in the areas of inclusive growth, skill development, women empowerment, R&D, and education. The decision is up to us, and the moment to take action is right now because Pakistan's future depends on it.
Challenges in Pakistan's Education System:
The poor condition of Pakistan's educational infrastructure, which includes a dearth of suitable classrooms, textbooks, and teaching resources, is one of the system's biggest problems. In addition, instructors' quality frequently falls short since so many of them receive inadequate training and support. Additionally, curricular development has been sluggish, failing to keep up with the demands of a contemporary, globalized society and the shifting demands of the job market. In order to guarantee that the education given to Pakistan's youth is both relevant and of the highest caliber, opening the door for significant advancement, addressing these issues is of the utmost importance.
Economic Diversification:
While funding education is important, Pakistan's economy also has to be diversified throughout a number of sectors. It's possible that concentrating only on education won't be enough to solve all of the problems the country is facing. Diversification can open up new doors for employment and monetary expansion. This means fostering industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and technology to help Pakistan diversify its economy and lessen its reliance on a single sector.
Public-Private Partnerships:
Pakistan's public-private sector collaboration has enormous potential to improve development and education. Infrastructure, teacher preparation, and curriculum development deficiencies can be filled with the use of public-private partnerships. These partnerships can result in more efficient and long-lasting solutions by combining resources and knowledge. To build a more diverse and forward-thinking educational ecosystem, governments, companies, and civil society organizations can collaborate.
Political Will:
Political leaders must prioritize education and development as a national agenda if they want to see long-lasting change in Pakistan. Reforms and policy alterations are propelled by political will. Politicians from all parties must work together to improve the quality of life for Pakistan's population. Political leaders may create the necessary momentum for transformational change by putting aside partisan differences and cooperating for the common good.
Youth Empowerment:
Pakistan's kids are a tremendous source of creativity, energy, and talent. Initiatives that encourage young Pakistanis to take an active role in the nation's development are crucial if we are to realize this promise. The younger generation's creativity and drive can be unleashed through initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, vocational education, and access to information and technology. Youth participation in community development initiatives and decision-making processes can promote a sense of ownership and accountability.
International Cooperation:
Partnerships and international cooperation can be crucial in assisting Pakistan's development goals. Insights and resources can be brought to the table by studying effective global models and working with organizations that focus on economic growth, poverty reduction, and education. Pakistan may advance more quickly by utilizing international assistance and learning from the world's finest practices.
Measuring Progress:
It is crucial to construct precise and quantifiable indicators in order to guarantee that investments in education and development provide the desired results. These metrics should be used to monitor development and pinpoint areas that need attention and development. Policymakers can make data-driven decisions, distribute resources effectively, and hold institutions accountable for their performance with the help of effective monitoring and evaluation systems. In this aspect, a dedication to accountability and transparency is crucial for producing significant outcomes.
Remember:
The Indian Institute of Technology is one of many technical universities that get central funding in India. They are managed by the Ministry of Education of the Government of India and are governed under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961.
Annual budget: $1,2 billion
Research and Education:
Putting Money Into Renowned Universities for Innovation
Prioritize investments in top universities with a strong emphasis on science, technology, and information-based education in order to promote innovation and develop a competent workforce.
Education that Promotes Tolerance and Inclusivity:
Education as a Means of Promoting Social Harmony
By fostering respect for diversity and defending religious freedoms, the educational system must play a crucial part in promoting tolerance and acceptance.
Development of Skills:
Developing Workforces for New Sectors
Through well-organized skill development programs, equip the workforce with the crucial skills needed for booming industries like green technologies and artificial intelligence.
Quality Education:
Improving critical thinking and problem-solving
Redesign education at all levels with a focus on developing students' problem-solving skills, creativity, IT & AI literacy, and critical thinking to better prepare them for the changing labor market.
Private-Public Partnerships:
Resource Optimization for National Development
Encourage public-private partnerships in infrastructure, healthcare, and education to more effectively use resources and knowledge.
Research and Development:
Increasing Innovation and Competitiveness Worldwide
Promote extensive R&D projects spanning a range of industries to boost global innovation and competitiveness, ultimately raising
Rankings of Pakistan on indexes of global innovation and educational competence and similar metrics.
The transformational force of education and holistic development illuminates the route to a prosperous and inclusive Pakistan for us. The potential awaiting our country is as great as the challenges we face. We have discussed how important it is to fix the lacunae in our education system, diversify our economy, encourage public-private partnerships, strengthen political will, give our youth more influence, look for international collaboration, and put in place reliable assessment systems.
The time to take action is right now—not tomorrow or in ten years. Decisions we make now will have an impact on future generations, and will shape Pakistan's fate. We can achieve our goals of a better, more autonomous, and wealthy Pakistan, but it will take audacity and unrelenting dedication.
Keep in mind that a country's strength is determined not just by its elite but also by the advancement of its entire populace. We are investing in Pakistan's heart and soul when we invest in the 99 percent. We are sowing the seeds for a better future where no one is left behind by placing a priority on education, skill development, and inclusive growth.
"There are risks and costs to every program of action, but they are far less than the long-term risks and costs of comfortable inaction," said Franklin D. Roosevelt. Action must be chosen over inaction because maintaining the status quo is not the way to development. Those with the courage to dream, the will to act, and the vision of a Pakistan where every person, regardless of background, plays a vital role in the development of the country own the future.
Let's rise to the situation, prioritize the needs of others, and set out on a path of thorough development that leaves no one behind. Together, we can create a Pakistan that proudly represents prosperity, inclusivity, and limitless opportunity on the international stage. It's now or never to answer this call that has been placed on our lives. As a nation, our determination will determine our destiny.
