Tahir Saleem
The recent results of the 9th grade exams have shaken the entire educational structure of the country. It breaks the heart when we see that those very institutions which once provided quality education to the children of poor and middle-class families are now sinking into the depths of decline. This is not a matter of coincidence or mere mismanagement, but part of an organized and sinister conspiracy. The conspiracy is to weaken public schools to such an extent that poor parents are left at the mercy of private institutions—where education is no longer a sacred duty but merely a profitable business.
The Teacher’s Status: From Reverence to Neglect
There was a time when the teacher held the most respected position in society. Even top officials would rise from their seats in deference to a teacher. But today, the same teacher is forced to struggle for his dignity. The government has entangled teachers in countless non-academic duties: population census, surveys, voter lists, and street protests for their basic rights. Is this the status we once reserved for the “architects of the nation”?
When teachers are distracted from their primary duty of imparting education, then who will shape the new generation? This is one of the main reasons why the standard of public education is declining so rapidly.
The “Pass All” Policy — Gateway to Ruin
Another fatal blow to Pakistan’s education system has been the policy of automatically promoting students from grade one through eight. This policy has eliminated merit, hard work, and competition. Children now know that whether they study or not, they will move to the next grade. As a result, they treat education as a mere pastime. Teachers feel no pressure, and students lose motivation.
This law is nothing short of educational suicide. It is a deliberate attempt to produce an ignorant generation—incapable of thinking, questioning, or demanding their rights.
The Private School Mafia — A Network Inside Assemblies
It is no longer a secret that education in Pakistan has become a lucrative business rather than a noble responsibility. Private school owners are not teachers in the true sense, but businessmen. Their institutions charge exorbitant fees, force parents to purchase books and uniforms from designated contractors, and drain families financially every single month.
Even more alarming is the fact that this mafia is no longer confined to running schools. They have now made their way into the corridors of power. A significant number of members of the national and provincial assemblies are themselves owners of private institutions. When lawmakers are the same people who benefit from this business, how can one expect them to protect public schools? They will never allow government institutions to become strong because strong public schools would destroy their business empire.
Thus, this mafia is deliberately pushing public schools towards collapse. Budgets are slashed, teachers are humiliated, school buildings are left in ruins—and then the narrative is spread: “If parents want quality education, they must turn to private schools.” This is nothing but a well-thought-out scheme driven purely by financial interests.
Government Negligence or Collusion?
The question arises: why has the government become part of this conspiracy? The simple answer is that the government itself is controlled by those who belong to the private school mafia. National budgets prioritize defense, roads, and other projects—education always remains the last priority.
The children of the ruling elite study in private schools or abroad. They have no concern for the plight of public schools. The students in government schools belong mostly to the poor and middle classes—seen merely as a “vote bank” by politicians, never as a responsibility.
Internal Decay: Group Politics and Political Influence
Besides government negligence and the private mafia’s grip, public schools are also plagued by internal decay:
Group politics among teachers has poisoned the environment. Instead of focusing on education, teachers indulge in personal rivalries and factionalism. Strict action must be taken against such groupings to restore schools as centers of learning.
Political interference is another curse. Transfers, postings, and administrative decisions are often made on the basis of political connections rather than merit. This practice must end if we are to salvage the system.
Discipline: Beyond the “No Corporal Punishment” Slogan
In recent years, the slogan “No Corporal Punishment, Only Love” has been promoted. But the results have been far from effective. Education requires a balance of reward and punishment. Teachers should have the authority to instill discipline through corrective measures. This does not mean cruelty, but rather firm guidance to ensure students learn responsibility and respect for rules.
Hidden Tricks of Private Schools
Private schools employ various tactics to display good results:
They admit students without proper certificates, sometimes even promoting them to higher grades without evaluation.
They start teaching “pre-9th” material in grade eight so that students perform better in official 9th grade exams.
All of this is designed to impress parents and strengthen their commercial reputation.
The Future Outlook
If this trend continues, the time is not far when public schools will cease to exist. Private institutions will keep exploiting poor families, while children from disadvantaged backgrounds will either remain uneducated or graduate with substandard degrees. Society will then be split into two classes:
1. The privileged elite, educated in private institutions, powerful and influential.
2. The deprived class, pushed into ignorance and backwardness due to the destruction of public schools.
This division will not only deepen social injustice but also increase inequality and crime across the nation.
What Must Be Done?
The only way out of this crisis is for the government to immediately declare the revival of public schools a national priority.
Free teachers from non-academic duties and let them focus solely on education.
Take strict action against factionalism among teachers.
Eliminate political interference in schools.
Restore teachers’ authority over discipline, ensuring a balance of reward and punishment.
Bring the private school mafia under legal regulation, controlling their fees and policies.
Disallow members of assemblies who own private institutions from participating in education-related legislation—this is a clear conflict of interest.
Conclusion
If we fail to take these steps in time, future generations will never forgive us. Public schools are not just buildings—they are the hope of millions of parents. Saving them is not just about preserving an institution; it is about saving the very future of Pakistan.
