At a recent youth conference, experts emphasized that education should be viewed as a form of protection. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah stated that real security comes from knowledge, helping young people overcome discrimination and challenges.
He blamed outdated policies for the decline of the education sector and shared a concerning fact—92% of Sindh’s education budget goes to salaries, leaving only 2% for development projects. Shah also pointed out that rapid population growth and natural disasters, such as floods that destroyed 20,000 schools, have made the situation worse.
Despite these challenges, the government is making efforts to improve education. Shah highlighted several key initiatives, including the introduction of teaching licenses, the hiring of 60,000 teachers based on merit, and the promotion of technical education.
Experts at the event stressed the need for greater accountability in the education system. They argued that true security does not come from just laws and policies but from ensuring every child has access to quality education.
The discussion at the conference made it clear that improving education is essential for the future of young people in Pakistan. Stakeholders called for urgent action to reform policies, increase development funding, and ensure that schools are safe and well-equipped to provide proper learning opportunities.
