ISLAMABAD: Education in Pakistan has been in a state of acute crisis in terms of access, quality, equity and governance. This is the reason why despite formulation of plans and policies since 1947, no government has been able to achieve a milestone.

This was pointed out by Baela Raza Jamil, chief executive officer (CEO) of Idara Taleem o Agahi (ITA), while speaking at the launch of Education Parliamentary Caucus (EPC) which is meant to create healthy communication between policymakers and the civil society.

The key focus of the initiative is that it will cater to the needs of students as they will be able to give feedback about upcoming policies.

It was stated that the EPC will play the role of a focal point for coordination and collaboration with key stakeholders to create pressure on parliament for the enactment of relevant policies particularly Article 25A and sustainable development goal (SDG) 4. EPC will also push the agenda of appropriate resource allocation for improving the quality of education for all children.

Parliamentarians, civil society join hands for better implementation of policies

The initiative was launched at a virtual gathering of parliamentarians and representatives of civil society to celebrate the International Day of Education 2022. The theme of the day was ‘Changing Course, Transforming Education’.

Lawmakers from all political parties will be a part of the EPC, including Wajiha Qammar, parliamentary secretary (Ministry of Education), Dr Nausheen Hamid, parliamentary secretary (Ministry of National Health Services), and members of provincial assemblies (MPAs) Aisha Nawaz Chaudhary, Tahir Khalil Sindhu and Abbas Ali Shah, Tanzeela Qambarani, Marvi Rashdi from Sindh, Bushra Rind, Ahmed Umar Khan Kalat from Balochistan, Senator Sana Jamali and MPA Shagufta Malik from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In her remarks, MPA Aisha Nawaz: “The call for action is for a new inclusive social contract that recognises the fundamental principle that investment in human resources and especially girls and women is everyone’s business both for the state and society.”

The formal in-person launch of EPC will be held next month where all EPC members will join hands in solidarity. The EPC will be working concurrently at provincial and national levels to vigorously mobilise required resources and ensure effective implementation of education policies and sector plans.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2022