Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday called for a fundamental transformation of the education system, urging a shift from rote learning to critical thinking, creativity, inquiry and experiential learning to prepare students for the demands of the future.
During a visit to the Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB) and Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG) – Golra Mor, to review ongoing reforms in ICT education, the minister said the country needed to break away from the colonial-era education system, which was designed to produce clerks rather than independent thinkers and innovators.
He said the education system must nurture free minds capable of questioning, exploring and creating knowledge instead of merely memorising information and reproducing textbook answers.
“In the coming era, rote learning will not succeed. Critical thinking, creativity and collective competence will succeed,” he said, stressing the need for a qualitative shift in teaching and learning practices.
Ahsan Iqbal said teachers should move beyond conventional classroom methods and focus on developing students’ creative abilities by encouraging them to study, observe and learn through practical experiences.
He pointed out that asking questions was often discouraged in Pakistani society, where students were expected to remain silent rather than explore ideas and challenge concepts.
“We have an anti-question bias. We should not be afraid to ask questions, nor should we be afraid to answer them,” he said, stressing that teachers must welcome students’ curiosity and create an environment conducive to inquiry.
The minister said the ability to think and respond depended on the depth of knowledge acquired through reading, observation and experience, adding that teachers had a key role in developing these capabilities.
Referring to the Quranic emphasis on reflection and observation, he said students should be encouraged to explore the universe, understand the purpose of things and develop a spirit of inquiry rather than remain passive recipients of information.
He said Pakistan had gradually become a consumer rather than a creator of knowledge, relying heavily on books and knowledge produced elsewhere.
“The factory of knowledge creation has been shut down. We have to revive that factory,” he said, calling for an education system that promoted research, independent thinking, lifelong learning and intellectual development.
The minister said the ongoing reforms aimed to free the country’s education system from the legacy of colonial thinking and equip the younger generation with the intellectual capabilities required in the emerging era.
He also invited teachers and education officials to share practical suggestions for improving the education system and identifying weaknesses requiring attention.
