Have you ever wondered why there’s such a huge gap in the quality of education available in Pakistan? Why do some children attend the best institutions, while others have never even stepped inside a classroom? And why are girls, especially from low-income families, still struggling to access their basic right to education?

These questions aren’t just theoretical—they reflect the pressing challenges in Pakistan’s education system. Education in the country is, unfortunately, divided by class. Elite children attend prestigious institutions like Aitchison and Burn Hall; middle-class families send their children to private or public schools, while the poorest children often attend madrassas. This divide leads to entirely different perspectives, creating gaps in our society that deepen social polarization.

For girls, especially those from poor families, the situation is even more challenging. Girls’ enrollment rates are lower than boys’, and early child marriages—on the rise due to economic and environmental hardships—only widen this gap. In rural areas, the lack of proper school infrastructure and societal norms restrict girls from accessing education. Schools are often located far from homes, and safety concerns discourage parents from sending their daughters to study. Additionally, cultural expectations that prioritize domestic responsibilities over education limit their opportunities.

Moreover, there is a dearth of quality educators. A curriculum is just words on paper if it is not taught effectively. Teachers in private schools, in particular,........

© The Spine Times