THIS is apropos of Dr Fateh M. Khan’s letter, ‘Access to higher education’ (July 24). I would like to point out that not only is the access to higher education important for the survival of a nation, a country can make progress only if the education sector and its policies are designed and implemented in such a way that does not allow any room for discrimination in the education on the basis of class status, gender and religion.

It is unfortunate that in Pakistan there is a lot of discrimination in the education sector, particularly in rural areas. Although discrimination is also present in urban areas, the thinking of the majority of people has broadened with globalisation and modernisation.

In the urban sector we now see that the education of girls is considered important as well. But the point is that the urban sector is just one sector of the entire population, the rural sector makes quite a big portion of the population and is neglected in terms of education. This is hampering progress.

Nearly all families inhabiting the rural sector are low income families. Even if they want to send their children to school, they cannot afford to do so. This is where the role of society and NGOs should come into play. Except for the rural sector, the rest of the population in Pakistan is quite rich. All philanthropists, industrialists, doctors, engineers and other private organisations should donate their money to the various NGOS which are catering to the needs of the rural sector and the disadvantaged people, especially the need of providing education to both boys and girls in villages.

Donations are not only needed to provide education, they are also needed to provide a good studying environment to the students. With sufficient donations from different public volunteers and organisations, the NGOs can work efficiently and show results to improve the education level in Pakistan.

Even little donations initially would mean a lot.

HAJRA AQIL KHAN Lahore