Single national curriculum in Pakistan.

The progress and development of any country depends on the quality of its education system. A nation that is lagging behind in its education system will never be able to keep up with the rising world today. The world is moving so fast that if we do not educate ourselves we will not only be left behind but also will not exist. However, the launch of Pakistan's National Program to revitalize the flawed education system is encouraging. In addition, a common education system will also eliminate many evils in society.

Education system building in Pakistan

Pakistan’s education system is divided into three broad categories; private, public and madrassah programs. People from the lower classes usually receive education in madrassas because of poverty, the public sector is middle class or lower middle class, while the upper-middle and upper class (also known as the 'upper class') choose private sector institutions for the quality of education provided in private higher education institutions of the world. These divisions in the education system lead to more fragmentation and diversity of socio-economic status. Therefore, Pakistani society is rife with class distinctions that continue to lead to many social and economic issues.

One National Curriculum Statement (SNC)

Contrary to what has happened in the past, the current government intends to change the education system in Pakistan to put Pakistan on the right track. The Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has rightly emphasized that the poor education system is to blame for all social and economic problems in Pakistan. To transform the education system, the PTI government has introduced a National Program (SNC) that will be implemented nationally and nationally. Once implemented, all existing levels of education in Pakistan will be integrated into the same curriculum, and people from all walks of life will be able to access the same education. Madrassah will be included in the new education system. All modern subjects would be taught in the dassahs and their students would appear on board exams. According to the curriculum development team, about 35,000 learning centers will be registered as schools.

Objectives of 'One National Curriculum'

According to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the goals and objectives of the ‘Single National Curriculum’ are to ensure that all children have equal access to quality education and social progress in Pakistan. Tolerance for diversity in Pakistan will be achieved by teaching students respect for different cultures and religions. The practice of memorization will be punished, and the focus will be on cognitive and artistic thinking. Students will be taught the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The same curriculum will ensure that everyone plays equally. In short, the PTI government plans to achieve its stated goals in order to eradicate segregated Pakistani society that will ultimately eliminate the risk of economic inequality over time.

Challenges in the implementation of a single National Curriculum

The implementation of a single National Curriculum is a matter of concern. Critics point to a number of challenges in the path of these educational reforms in Pakistan. It is often argued that the attempt to install madrassahs is not new. In the 70s, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto moved to legalizing madrassahs. The move met with strong opposition. After that, the Islamic drive made during Zia's reign made the madrassas very strong leading to the struggle for unity. In his time, Pervez Musharraf tried to measure those styles by trying to introduce exemplary madrassas. Only three of the 100 madrassas enrolled under the program, in which students were familiar with modern studies. But the project also came to an end. Even under the SNC, reforming, and prioritizing the madrassah education system would not have been easy. It is designed to deal with criticism and opposition from religious groups.

In addition, the addition of Islamiat to the new education system from Grade 1 below and its radical ideas that require the study of literature by Nazis will affect children's reading skills, as the ASER report has been expanded.

Limited or No Minorities selection

Another challenge to the construction that comes with the implementation of the same curriculum is that fewer students will also face the subject of Islamiat (not optional, but compulsory) at a lower level, due to the fact that the lion’s share of schools in Pakistan does not offer academic choice. Ultimately, it would challenge Pakistan's commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Human and Political Rights.

The Need for Trained Teachers

Government has taken action, relevant departments have developed SNC policies, and a new curriculum has been formalized. After the implementation of the same curriculum, the responsibility for achieving all the standards of excellence associated with the SNC will be on the shoulders of teachers. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in Pakistan's primary and secondary schools. If teachers fail to live up to their responsibilities, all goals and objectives will remain elusive. There is a great need to train teachers first. Apprenticeship programs must be planned at all levels before the implementation of the National One Program nationwide.

Budget Barriers:

Objectives associated with the 'One National Curriculum' can only be achieved if (i) all out-of-school children are brought to school, (ii) gender inequality in education is reduced or eliminated, (iii) all basic infrastructure needs are made available in schools, (iv) teachers are blamed for negligence or their unnecessary inefficiency, (v) books, pencils, uniforms, and transportation aids are provided to children, and (vi) article 25 - The Constitution deals with letter and spirit. Unfortunately, Pakistan's weak economy does not allow these measures to be taken. Therefore, budget constraints are a major obstacle in the way.

Possible Misunderstandings Within the Province

The ‘National Framework for National Studies’ was created after bringing all the participants to one page. It is believed that the center and all the provinces met in person on the matter. After the 18th amendment to the constitution of Pakistan, the issue of ‘education’ has been referred to the provinces. Now, provincial governments are fully empowered to transform the education system of their provinces according to their needs and wants.

Conclusions:

The launch of the Government's National Curriculum is a welcome step. In a society like Pakistan, it will be the solution to all social and economic problems. It is encouraging to see that the previously neglected education sector has finally drawn the attention of the authorities. Through a transformed education system and a society that has led to divisions; Pakistan will soon begin to make efforts towards development, to development.