Input sought from provinces for new education policy.

ISLAMABAD -- On the directive of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Ministry of Federal Education has decided to prepare 'Pakistan Education Policy 2021' and sought input from stakeholders, including provincial governments.

Currently, the education policy of 2009 is in place, and the government has now decided to launch a new integrated policy in March next year.

'Pakistan developed a National Education Policy in 2009. However, shortly thereafter, in April 2010, the Constitution was amended and the subject of education was fully devolved to the provinces.

'After the 18th amendment, the status of NEP 2009 was revisited, and in Sept 2011 a joint declaration on education was signed by the representatives of all the provinces and areas. The main text of the declaration stated that the federal, provincial and area representatives declare that the National Education Policy 2009, subject to such adaptations as necessitated in view of the 18th constitutional amendment, shall continue to be jointly owned national document. However, Pakistan does not have an updated comprehensive education policy document to represent the country,' said a letter, dated Dec 17, which was addressed to all stakeholders by the education ministry.

The letter said the new policy will be approved on March 23, 2021.

In the current Covid-19 emergency, the ministry at the federal level worked closely with the provincial and area governments to ensure a coordinated national response for young people.

'The need to coordinate resulted from a desire to ensure equity for all children and institutions across the country so that no area or region is left behind due to the decisions taken. The interdependence of policy decisions within the education sector is a known phenomenon and requires a national convergence on key education aspects for example standards, educational stages (primary, middle, high etc.), system of exam and admissions, teacher management standards, etc. However, this does...