Education System in Pakistan and Some Solutions

The problems related to education system in Pakistan are manifold but we would dwell on issues relating to English, Islamic teachings and syllabus. 

Education system in any society is the basic and most important tool to disseminate among the new generation body of ethics, ideals, out-look to life, out-look to the world, in short, the way of life the society stands for. Uniformity of education system is the corner stone to build a united and harmonious society and nation; various education systems prevailing in a society lead to various ways of life, and, resultantly, weaken social uniformity and harmony.

The issue of English is reflected in two ways in Pakistan’s education system; English as medium of instruction and as a language study. Keeping in view the importance of uniformity of education system, there is no room to adopt two different medium of instructions in Pakistan . However keeping in view importance of English as a science language, English language should be retained as a subject, and as a medium of instruction for science education ONLY at college level. Much more than English language is the importance of Islamic teachings which are, for the Muslim societies, the only source to develop a uniform and harmonious society. Ignoring basic Islamic teachings, in a Muslim society, would lead to cultural, social, psychological, and intellectual disintegration in the Muslim society.  For propagating basic Islamic teachings, the importance of Arabic language cannot be overemphasized. Therefore Arabic language along-with English language has to be compulsory part of education system in Pakistan. But learning of these two languages should not be made an obstacle, beyond a certain limit, in advancement of academic careers of the students.

Keeping in view importance of both the languages (Arabic and English) and basic Islamic teachings, following suggestions are made for education system in Pakistan.

At primary education level, basic Arabic language and Quranic reading (without translation)  should be taught. The marks secured in the subject of Quranic reading and  language should be included in the total marks secured by the student; but passing marks in this subject should not be compulsory in moving to the next grade. English language should not be taught at primary level.

At middle education level, passing marks in subject of Quranic reading and language should be compulsory for moving to the next grade. English language should be taught at this level; but passing marks in this subject should not be compulsory for moving to the next grade. The syllabus for all students at primary and middle education level should be the same; there should be no division of science and arts students.

At secondary education level (for 9^th and 10^th ), Quranic reading (with translation) and language should be taught and passing marks in this subject should be compulsory to move on to the next grade. At this level syllabus for Science and Arts students should be separate. At this level, passing marks in subject of English language should be compulsory for science students ONLY for moving to the next grade; passing marks in this subject should not be necessary for arts students to move to the next grade.

At higher secondary education level (FA;FSc), passing marks in the subject of  Quranic reading (with translation) and language should be compulsory for moving to next grade. Similarly passing marks in English language subject should be necessary for science students for moving  to next grade; but arts students can be promoted to next grade without getting passing marks in  English language subject.

At graduation level, subject of Advance Quranic Studies and Language should be taught and passing marks in this subject should be necessary to move to the next year studies. Similarly passing marks in English language should be necessary for science students for moving to next year studies; but arts students can be promoted without obtaining  passing marks in this subject.

It may be appreciated that these suggestions have been made regarding   common education system in Pakistan, NOT regarding specialized education like religious education imparted by religious ‘madaras’; medical education; and engineering education. But subject of 'Advance Quranic Studies and Language' may also be adopted for medical and engineering education.