Karachi, Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), has called for substantial reforms in Pakistan’s school examination system, citing the high failure rate of students in matriculation exams and corruption in the educational sector.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor criticized the continuation of the colonial education system in Pakistan, which he believes is riddled with corruption, allowing wealthy individuals to buy high marks for their children. He attributed political appointments within educational boards as a primary factor contributing to these issues, noting the failure to recruit government employees through the public service commission.

Shakoor argued that without changing the education system, Pakistan risks continued poverty and deprivation. He advocated for the adoption of modern examination systems to improve educational standards, emphasizing the need to move away from a system designed by colonial rulers to produce clerical staff. He criticized the current bureaucracy and parliament for maintaining a colonial mindset, despite the departure of British rulers.

Further, Shakoor proposed a shift towards vocational education and technical training, emphasizing the integration of computers and artificial intelligence in the examination process to eliminate corruption and errors. He called for the establishment of a reform commission to reexamine and revamp the school examination and grading system along modern lines, adapting patterns from Western countries to local needs.

Highlighting the issue of colonial legacy in education, Shakoor lamented the naming of institutions after British colonial figures, such as Dow Medical College in Karachi. He suggested renaming these institutions after local freedom fighters, such as Soriah Badshah Pir Pagra, to shed the colonial mentality and honor Pakistan’s heritage.

The demand for sweeping reforms in the school examination system by the PDP Chairman reflects a growing concern over the state of education in Pakistan and the need for a system that fosters a productive and progressive youth.