EDUCATION is important for the progress of a country and prosperity of its people. Unfortunately, our children are deprived of their basic right to education. There are a lot of ghost schools across Pakistan where there are neither teachers nor students. Textbooks that are essential for school-going children are scarce.

Besides the shortage of textbooks, their prices have increased to the extent that they are no more affordable. Those finding it difficult to buy the textbooks have stopped sending their children to school. This is a very serious issue that is discouraging people from getting education. How can a country progress if its people are not educated?

According to reports, the prices of textbooks have increased by 95 per cent within a year. Besides, inflation is another major problem. Many people struggle to provide two meals a day to their families. The shortage of textbooks and their rising prices have only added to their worries.

The government has failed to provide quality education to its people. It must now wake up, and remove all the obstacles in the way of education and provide free textbooks to all students.

Danial Tanvir
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2023