THIS is apropos of the report, 'Education key to fight terrorism' (March 7), in which Governor Khalid Maqbool said “Education is only answer to eliminate poverty and terrorism in the country.”

I totally agree with him that education is the only thing which can curb terrorism.

Education is like a candle burning in front of huge sun, education is the only source which takes one from earth to sky — an educated father recognises the importance of education and knows how to choose a bright future for his children — an educated mother knows how to bolster her children's behaviour, and an educated girl knows how to handle her parents — an educated boy knows how to succeed in life.

In Pakistan, terrorism has increased because of scant attention paid to education. There is no doubt that Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. In 2004 the literacy rate in Pakistan was just 46.6 per cent.

It went up from 45 per cent in 2000 to 54 per cent in 2006, but still Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world.

According to the Constitution, it is the state's responsibility to provide free primary education.

From 1976 to 2001, the numbers of primary schools were doubled, but so did the population.

In 1996 only 3.5 per cent college-going population attended institutions for higher education and, according to the experts, for a successful democracy a country needs at least 60 per cent literacy rate.

Our new government has to pay much attention to education rather than 'war on terror', because educated people will be able to recognise the difference between good and bad, by smoothly moving towards democracy, it will be known as a peaceful country all around the world.

AMJID BOJAIR

Turbat