School have been essential in improving literacy rates, helping research and development across the globe and nurturing generations of educated people who contributed to stronger economies and a brighter future.

Yet as time progressed, so did technology, which began to challenge the traditional rules of schooling as the world entered the digital age.

In the 2020s, many major developments have caused upheaval in the traditional education system. With artificial intelligence booming, the weaknesses of the schooling system have become more visible and its legitimacy is now being questioned. These new technologies have also confused parents, students and teachers alike, leaving them unsure whether to continue traditional classes or shift towards AI-automated learning, both of which come with their own problems.

After the launch of ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs), school systems panicked and rushed to set regulations. Some banned AI entirely, others allowed it and some left policies undefined. No matter what the policy was, AI use exploded.

Many students now fear that the traditional education system is becoming irrelevant. A student spends over a decade in school, then some more years in college and university, and perhaps even pursues higher qualifications, only to worry that future jobs may be taken over by AI.

These are the fears many of my friends express when they say that schools are becoming outdated. They question why students should continue studying in a centuries-old education system that no longer matches the modern world. This growing trend of “school-phobia” reflects increasing doubt in the education system. As a student, I have also witnessed major inconsistencies in schools firsthand.

In Pakistan, there needs to be serious reform in the education system so that we do not fall behind in development. One major issue lies in staffing policies. I have studied in two schools and there was a huge difference between them.

In my first school, there were around 1,200 students, so the teacher-to-student ratio was unreasonable. At the primary and secondary levels, there was roughly one teacher for every 30 students. How can one teacher properly teach 30 students, check homework, manage tests and handle multiple classes at the same time? In middle school, the ratio increased to one teacher for every 35 students. In my current school, however, the ratio is around one teacher for every 20 students, which feels far more manageable.

I believe many Pakistani schools in the 21st century, especially private schools, are focusing mainly on profits. Many private and even public schools seem to be controlled by large corporations or influential groups. This is my personal observation because I have noticed that major companies are often connected to major schools. I have also seen principals move from one large school to another after “retiring”, while schools continue exchanging experienced staff and management.

Additionally, many large schools have become hubs of commercialisation. Too many companies visit schools for promotions. In just one semester at my school, there were visits from a popular noodles brand, a milk company, a ketchup manufacturer and a nutritional supplement brand, all within a few weeks. Because of this, it sometimes feels as though schools rely more on commerce and advertising than on actual education.

Despite all this, I believe the situation can still be improved. When it comes to artificial intelligence, banning it completely will not stop its growth. AI use will continue increasing regardless. Instead, schools should adapt responsibly. One idea I have is the concept of “mobile-books”, a combination of mobile phones and books. Students would no longer need to carry heavy bags, while still being able to read and write properly.

For example, students could read a story on their mobile-book and then complete handwritten assignments based on it. There could also be a “School Mode” on phones and computers where AI apps and search engines are temporarily disabled during lessons, similar to airplane mode. Schools could even develop dedicated educational AI systems that only provide learning support and only respond when teachers allow them to, preventing students from simply copying answers.

I also believe the legal teacher-to-student ratio should be reduced to at least 27 students per teacher so that teachers can give students proper attention.

These are my thoughts on the situation. Of course, others may have different ideas, but from my perspective, these issues need to be discussed seriously if we want education to improve in the future.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 16th, 2026