“Pakistan’s Education: Business Model” Overview
In Pakistan, education has increasingly become a business. Traditionally, children begin school at age five. Today, however, children as young as three are sent to pre-nursery, nursery, or KG. This shift, driven by a lack of oversight, has compromised the quality and integrity of the education system.
The Need for Board System Reforms
Pakistan’s board systems require urgent reform. Students frequently complain about low marks, yet the current rechecking process lacks transparency. To ensure fairness, papers should be reviewed in the presence of the student. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, rechecking is often superficial. Students are notified of the results via email, phone, or WhatsApp without any real change. This lack of transparency demotivates students, leading them to seek shortcuts.
Scandal and Corruption in Education
Dawn News reported that someone altered 62 papers, and Secretary of Education Syed Junaid Ikhlaq acknowledged flaws in the system. Although some individuals distanced themselves, many issues remained concealed. This scandal erupted when the authorities announced the intermediate results, leading to widespread student protests. Students demanded rechecks, but instead, the rechecking process became another opportunity to exploit them.
Recurring Issues in “Pakistan’s Education: Business Model”
With upcoming board results, the same issues will likely recur, as the system remains flawed. Students are continually exploited without meaningful improvements. The lack of a transparent and fair system undermines the credibility of the education system in Pakistan.
The Role of the Higher Education Commission (HEC)
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) ensures quality education and accrediting degrees in Pakistan. However, universities begin admissions based on 11th-grade results, often announcing them before they receive the 12th-grade results. This practice leaves many students without opportunities. The HEC must address why universities can admit students before final results are available.
The Importance of Student Advocacy
Students must raise their voices across all platforms. It is their right to demand a fair system. Without their active involvement, the system will continue to deny them their rights. Shahan started an online petition, moto is ”Justice for Students: Demand Fair Re-evaluation of FBISE 2024 Results”
