Education on the Edge
Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: This heartbreaking photograph from Multan, two young girls traverse an active railway bridge, their schoolbags heavy with books and dreams. This daily journey underscores a grim reality: for many children in Pakistan, the path to education is fraught with danger and uncertainty.
Pakistan faces a daunting educational crisis. According to UNICEF, approximately 22.8 million children aged 5-16 are out of school, making it the country with the second-highest number of out-of-school children globally. The situation is exacerbated by gender disparities, with girls disproportionately affected, especially in regions like Balochistan, where 78% of girls are not enrolled in school.
The challenges are not limited to enrollment. Many schools lack basic facilities such as clean water, functional toilets, and adequate infrastructure. The devastating floods of 2022 further crippled the education system, destroying or damaging nearly 30,000 schools and leaving over 2 million children without access to education.
Financial constraints compound these issues. Pakistan allocates only 2.8% of its GDP to education, falling short of the 4% target recommended by UNESCO. This underinvestment hampers efforts to rebuild and improve the education sector, leaving millions of children without the resources they need to learn and thrive.
The photograph from Multan is more than a snapshot; it is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that jeopardize the future of Pakistan’s youth. Without immediate and sustained action, the dreams of millions of children will remain out of reach, and the nation’s progress will be irrevocably hindered.
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The human cost of this neglect is evident in the countless deaths on unprotected train tracks, with many individuals resorting to ending their lives due to insurmountable hardships. The lack of security measures and accountability has turned these tracks into a death trap.
It is imperative that policymakers take immediate action to address these issues. Ensuring proper housing, basic amenities, and educational infrastructure is crucial. Strengthening accountability and transparency in government departments, including Pakistan Railways, is also essential. Moreover, providing safe and reliable access to education should be a top priority.
The photograph of the schoolgirls crossing the railway bridge serves as a powerful reminder of the need for urgent action. It is time for policymakers to prioritize the safety and well-being of Pakistan’s children and work towards creating a more equitable and just society.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
Asem Mustafa Awan has extensive reporting experience with leading national and international media organizations. He has also contributed to reference books such as the Alpine Journal and the American Alpine Journal, among other international publications.
