This marvel can only be found in Pakistan, where a specific curriculum is forcefully instilled in minds throughout the year in the name of education. This continues even during vacations in the form of summer camps, creating a subjugated nation devoid of critical thinking. Let children explore the world to learn from experiences.
Education is about gaining awareness, but if the curriculum is false and critical thinking is restricted, it becomes indoctrination (e.g., Pakistan Studies).
In Pakistan, education is not imparted; instead, zombies are created. This is what is called literate ignorance.
Critical thinking is a crucial skill for journalists, yet there is no educational standard for journalists in Pakistan. The majority are semi-literate individuals who lack knowledge in communication, international issues, political and social sciences, and modern theories and trends.
Have you ever seen a scientist emerge from a religious seminary? Absolutely not. However, every year, dozens of individuals like Hamad Safi, Qasim Ali Shah, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, and Maria B graduate from modern education systems.
Pakistan’s universities aren’t better than religious seminaries because they follow their principles rigorously. Unfortunately, universities in Islamabad are still unclear whether they are religious institutions or modern educational establishments.
For instance, a university invited Youth Club without needing to schedule it in the university calendar. Yet, when inviting scholars like Dr. Taimur Rahman or critical thinkers like Syed Muzammil, the administration must be informed a semester in advance. To make matters worse, retired military personnel, who fail to find other employment, often end up in the education sector, obstructing the path of competent individuals, while always welcoming groups like Youth Club.
A few years ago, a professor at a university in Islamabad participated in and organized a rally condemning the APS Peshawar tragedy. Students and the professor joined the rally, and even the university’s rector addressed the participants. However, the director of administration later issued a disciplinary notice to the professor for this “offense.” It seems this nation is perpetually punished by these retired loyalists, even post-retirement.
Reflecting on this, let me share a story: A teacher nearing retirement was asked by a retired military officer, who held a position in the education department, about his wish. The teacher responded, “I want to be made the Army Chief.” The retired general, astonished, asked how that could be possible given the teacher’s lifelong dedication to education. The teacher replied, “Just as it is possible for someone who spent a lifetime with a gun to become an officer in the education department after retirement.” The day they withdraw from post-retirement positions will be the day this country moves in the right direction.
