EDUCATION is the key to sustainable development and is a basic human right guaranteed by Article 25A of the Constitution. With only one Pakistani university in the list of top 100 global institutions, and with about two million out-of-school children, and with the existence of several ‘ghost schools’, the education system of Pakistan is a tale of woes and sorrows.
Moreover, indicators like Human Development Index place Pakistan far beyond regional countries, indicating inequality within the state, which is perpetuated by the absence of competence. The failure of the education system to produce competent individuals adds testimony to this narrative. Lack of scientific research and technological development has decelerated economic growth and development of the country.
On the other hand, Pakistan Super League (PSL), a professional T20 cricket league, is one of the milestones achieved by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in collaboration with national and international stakeholders. PSL has proved to be a profitable business in terms of commercial benefits for sponsors and advertisement agencies. Moreover, it has been successfully helping in portraying a soft image of Pakistan internationally.
Besides monetary benefits, the PSL has given world-class cricketers to Pakistan. It extends opportunity to the local players by providing them a platform where they can showcase their talent and gain a place in the national cricket team. The enthusiasm of the public, anticipating the matches, and rooting for their favourite teams endorse the success of such events throughout the country. Moreover, local players get a chance to play with international cricketers and that adds expertise to their raw talent.
Just as PSL has institutionalised cricket in Pakistan, an idea of the ‘Pakistan Education League’ (PEL) can be conceptualised to uplift standards of education throughout the country. PEL can be established on the PSL pattern. Students of all levels can be incentivised, individually or through their educational institutions, to participate in the PEL.
Such a league should improvise a plan to team up best educational institutions, students and scholars who would compete in events, such as science exhibitions, literary festivals and mathematics Olympiads, showcasing their aptitude in research and development, innovation and inventions.
These events could be organised at the national level along with the inclusion of international institutions. It can be sponsored by private entrepreneurs, business magnates and media houses. This will promote the inclusion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). This will give momentum to innovation in science and technology, research and development in the existing system of education.
Just as media groups promote PSL ceremonies and matches, such educational events could be given prime time span in news bulletins. PEL could aim at providing space to develop the standard of education, advance research, and development and gain expertise in science and technology. This will in turn materialise long-term sustainable development goals along with sustainable economic development.
PSL has changed the destiny of many cricketers who hail from poverty-stricken areas. Likewise, the idea of such an educational programme would support mainstreaming bright students from a humble background on a merit basis.
Furthermore, many problems of the education system could be addressed through such a league.
For example, issues like lack of funds for public schools, and worsening situation of child labour comprising out-of-school children could be solved by incentives and awards extended to teams with a maximum number of student enrollment.
The education system of Pakistan needs a bottom-up approach along with institutional reforms. The single national curriculum (SNC) is just a baby step towards such a goal.
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