Pakistan’s education system is failing our youth because it focuses on cramming instead of critical thinking. Every year millions of students pass exams with high marks, but they lack basic problem-solving, communication and job skills. This gap is why our graduates are unemployed despite having degrees. The biggest issue is our outdated syllabus. We are still teaching the same concepts that were relevant 20 years ago, while the world has moved to AI, freelancing and digital skills. There is almost no focus on vocational training, coding or entrepreneurship in schools and colleges. Teachers are also not trained in modern teaching methods. In many public schools, even basic facilities like clean water, electricity and internet are missing. This is creating two Pakistans: one that can afford expensive private schools and one that is stuck in an outdated system.
We need a curriculum update aligned with market needs, compulsory teacher training and public-private partnerships to build skill centres. At the same time, parents and students should demand practical education.
Laraib Liaqat
Bhawalpur
