Despite an adult literacy rate of 58%, Pakistan has struggled to keep educational institutions open. Data shows that schools remained open for only 124 days in the past two years (excluding public and special holidays). Major factors for these closures included political unrest, violent protests, flooding, extreme weather, viral outbreaks, smog, and national security alerts.
Following the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, educational experts anticipated a return to normal schooling in Pakistan. However, conditions did not improve as expected. Pakistan has become one of the countries most affected by global warming, with Lahore ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. For the first time in years, the government introduced special holidays for smog, mandating mask-wearing.
In 2022, Pakistan experienced unusually heavy rainfall, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, resulting in severe flooding. The floods displaced millions, destroyed thousands of buildings, and led to nearly 2,000 deaths, effectively halting schooling across much of Sindh and Punjab.
That same year, Punjab declared extended school closures due to persistent smog, which lasted for about 2 to 3 weeks. In 2023, summer holidays were extended by an additional month (for a total of four months), while around 100 more holidays were added due to political unrest and violence.
Government does not seem to be interested in fighting Global Warming, neither in providing basic rights to the citizens. Education in Pakistan is now on the verge of extinction. Many Netizens showed their concerns with the unexpected closure of schools highlighting the importance of EdTech, Home Schooling, and De Schooling.
Leave a Comment