EVEN in more ‘normal’ times the state of education in this country has left a lot to be desired. But now, with Covid-19 decimating schedules and routines, the education sector in Pakistan is finding it even more difficult to cope. Of course, we are not alone; according to a Unesco count over 1.5bn children the world over have been affected due to school closures caused by the pandemic. Thus the challenge before the education authorities in Pakistan is considerable. Where the higher education sector is concerned, the response to the crisis has been mixed. Some of the more proactive universities have been holding online classes, while many large public-sector tertiary institutions are still scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to proceed. The HEC has issued some SOPs for varsities to follow, but genuine questions about internet access and quality connectivity for students in far-flung areas arise. The situation with the primary and secondary sector is not much different. While many elite private schools are holding classes through apps, most schools have simply given their students an extended break. Here too there are issues of access, as many lower-income children don’t have smartphones, tablets and high-speed internet connections that online education tools require.

Considering the strong element of the unknown, provincial education authorities need to plan ahead for the future now. For example, both Sindh and Punjab plan to reopen schools in June. But that deadline should not be considered final, as the coronavirus situation remains extremely fluid. If the closures are extended, the authorities need to figure out how to continue the learning process with maximum children having access. The launch of an educational TV channel by the state is one response; the days ahead will reveal the impact this has had on learning. But beyond the immediate future, those in charge of education policymaking in Pakistan should use this break to analyse the poor teaching and learning outcomes in the country, especially in the public sector and specifically in primary schooling. The sad fact is that around 22m children are not in school in this country; an equally sobering reality is that those in school, particularly government institutions, are not learning much. Experts and stakeholders should use this time to devise ways to reboot Pakistan’s education system, and perhaps adapt new methods and technologies — distance learning, studying at home, etc — to bring quality education to every child in this country.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2020