Why Pakistan’s Primary Education System Needs Urgent Attention And How We Can Fix It?
“A Child’s First Step Should Be Strong”
Every great journey begins with a single step and in a child’s life, that first step is primary education. It’s the foundation of reading, writing, counting, and understanding the world. But sadly, in Pakistan, millions of children are not getting the quality primary education they deserve.
This blog will highlight the main problems of Pakistan’s primary education system, explore the reasons behind them, and offer simple, practical suggestions for improvement because when our children learn well, our country grows stronger.
The Real Picture:
What’s Wrong With Primary Education in Pakistan?
Many primary school teachers lack proper training.Some teachers are not even clear about how to teach young minds basic skills like reading or writing.
In rural areas, there are cases of “ghost teachers” those who never show up at school.
Result: Children don’t learn in a proper way. Their basics remain weak.
Many schools don’t have clean drinking water, toilets, or desks.Some schools are run in open spaces or broken buildings.There is no electricity or fans in many schools.
Result: Kids find it hard to focus or even attend school, especially girls.
Books are old fashioned and full of hard language.Children are forced to memorize instead of understanding. Creativity and critical thinking are missing from the learning process.
Result: Students may pass exams but don’t learn real-life skills.
Some schools teach in Urdu, others in English, and some even in regional languages.Children get confused and struggle to learn.
Result: Children can’t develop strong communication skills in any language.
Over 22 million children in Pakistan are out of school (UNESCO, 2023).Many kids drop out due to poverty, child labor, early marriages, or lack of transport.
Result: These children grow up without the skills to succeed in life or contribute to the country.
Girls in many rural and tribal areas are not allowed to go to school.Schools for girls are fewer and often far away. Parents prefer to invest in boys’ education, not girls’.
Result: Half of our population stays uneducated, leading to long-term social problems.
Private schools offer better education, but they’re expensive.Government schools are affordable, but most are under-resourced.
Result: Poor children get low-quality education, creating education inequality.
What Can Be Done?
Practical Suggestions for Change We can fix the broken system
1. Train the Teachers Regularly
Make teacher training compulsory.Use modern teaching methods like storytelling, group activities, and digital tools.
2. Upgrade School Infrastructure
Ensure safe buildings, clean water, toilets, electricity, and playgrounds. Provide transport for children in remote areas.
3. Revise the Curriculum
Make the syllabus child-friendly, easy-to-read, and activity-based.Teach through games, pictures, and practical examples.
4. Focus on Early Reading and Writing
Make reading and writing the heart of primary education.Let children express themselves through writing and drawing.
5. Promote One Clear Language Policy
Decide on one simple language (Urdu or regional) for primary levels. Add basic English gradually.
6. Bring All Children to School
Run free meal programs, cash support for parents, and awareness campaigns. Encourage girls’ education by building safe, nearby girls’ schools.
7. Use Technology for Better Learning
Use mobile apps, TV lessons, and digital blackboards.Record teacher lessons to monitor and improve quality.
A Nation Rises When Its Children Learn
If a child cannot read a simple sentence, how will they understand the world? If a child cannot write their name, how will they write their future?
If children are not taught the basics of respect, logic, and language, how will they build a strong and peaceful society?
Primary education is not just about books and exams it’s about building the future of Pakistan. If we fix the roots, our tree of knowledge will grow tall and give fruit for generations.
Let us invest in our children, give them the right start, and watch them shine.
Remember: Every child can learn. Every child deserves to learn.
