A high-level panel of education experts convened in Karachi this week to address the pivotal role of educators in forging a sustainable future for Pakistan. The discussion, titled “Role of Educators in Shaping Sustainable Societies: Challenges and Opportunities,” was a key session of the 3rd Global Research Congress hosted by the Faculty of Education at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU).
Champions of Change: Voices from the Podium
The event, held on Wednesday at the university's auditorium, featured insights from leading figures in Pakistan's education landscape. The panel included Professor Shahida Sajjad, Vice Chancellor of Metropolitan University Karachi; noted educationist and former Minister for Education, Rana Hussain; and Professor Dr. Amjad Arain, Vice Chancellor of Government College University Hyderabad. Their collective expertise shed light on the persistent hurdles and potential pathways within the national education framework.
The Core Challenge: Systemic Gaps and Teacher Empowerment
Rana Hussain set the tone by emphasizing the concept of teacher sustainability. He argued that for societies to become sustainable, the teaching profession itself must be strengthened through continuous professional development, effective training, and robust support systems. “Empowered and well-supported teachers are decisive in shaping students’ values, skills, and sense of social responsibility,” he stated.
Professor Dr. Amjad Arain delivered a stark assessment of the governance gap plaguing the sector. He pointed out that while sound policies often exist on paper, their implementation lacks seriousness and consistency. This failure, he explained, has a cascading effect: universities, which are expected to produce graduates ready to contribute to society, receive students with weak foundational knowledge due to breakdowns at earlier educational levels.
Dr. Arain highlighted alarming data to underscore the crisis:
- Over 35% of children aged 6–16 in Pakistan are out of school.
- The ASER Report 2024 reveals that in Sindh, over 25% of children cannot write and more than 35% struggle with basic arithmetic.
Learning from Global Models and a Call for Action
Drawing comparisons with nations like South Korea and Singapore, Dr. Arain noted their success stems from intensive teaching methodologies, a culture of innovation, and a well-compensated, respected teaching profession. He cautioned that Pakistan's overreliance on outdated methods and a preference for rote learning over creativity continues to hamper progress.
Professor Shahida Sajjad addressed sustainability in higher education, acknowledging challenges but noting that universities are increasingly working to integrate these principles into their academic frameworks.
The panel unanimously called for urgent reforms. They stressed the need for education policies that are aligned with contemporary societal needs and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure their execution. The session concluded with closing remarks and the presentation of shields to the panelists by Dr. Stephen John, Dean of SMIU's Faculty of Education.
