THE state of education is deplorable in rural areas of Pakistan, especially in southern Punjab where there is a dearth of public colleges. I am a resident of Ferozepur area in Multan. There is only one public college in my village. The majority of people work on daily wages. Therefore, they cannot send their children to private colleges. Some parents cannot even afford public colleges.

Consequently, the enrolment rate for higher education is low compared to other areas of Punjab. Besides, the quality of education in southern Punjab is not satisfactory. Those who can afford prefer to send their children to Lahore or Islamabad to get quality education. Others are just left to survive in the darkness of illiteracy.

The relevant authorities should increase the number of public colleges for boys and girls in the village, and improve the quality of education. The locals do deserve a better deal.

Saqib Shahzad
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2022