In a recent revelation, the Chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Peshawar announced a shift in the schedule for the annual matric examinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The exams, initially slated for March 2024, will now take place after Ramadan. This decision echoes a historical event in March 1958 when similar circumstances led to the rescheduling of matric examinations in West Pakistan during Prime Minister Malik Feroz Khan Noon’s tenure.
Back then, with political unrest and Ramadan coinciding with the exam period, the religious leaders advocated against holding exams during the holy month. Succumbing to the pressure, the government acquiesced and adjusted the exam dates. The echoes of this historical precedent raise questions about our decision-making processes in the present day.
As we grapple with educational dilemmas, it’s disconcerting to observe that our neighboring countries and nations worldwide are rapidly progressing. India has ascended to the status of the fifth-largest global economy, expanding from a regional to an international powerhouse. In contrast, our own development seems constrained, grappling with internal challenges. Frustration, disenchantment, and economic and political grievances among the populace contribute to a growing sense of disillusionment.
A significant portion of our youth seeks opportunities abroad, contributing to a brain drain. Meanwhile, Bangladesh emerges as a dynamic economy in South Asia, leaving us lagging behind countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Libya.
Adding to our concerns, reports from international organizations underline our vulnerability to climate change. In 2022, Pakistan ranked third, after South Sudan and Madagascar, in terms of countries most affected by floods and droughts. The aftermath witnessed millions affected, livestock losses, and 8 million people displaced. Despite pledges exceeding $10 billion at the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in January 2023, relief remains elusive for flood victims in specific regions.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s Human Development Index for 2021-2022 places it in the ‘low human development category’ at 161 out of 192 countries, citing poor education, health, and income indicators. In the same report, India ranked 132, Bangladesh 129, and Sri Lanka 73. The educational crisis persists with millions of children out of school, and unemployment rises due to overpopulation and other factors, exacerbating malnutrition in certain regions.
Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perception Index portrays a grim picture, with Pakistan placed at 140 out of 180 countries. The police and judiciary, institutions crucial for security and justice, are identified as the most corrupt, raising serious questions about our justice system.
Amidst these challenges, a surge in terrorism demands urgent attention from policymakers. The nation’s standing requires contemplation. India achieves milestones like Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar landing, becoming the fourth country to do so. Meanwhile, our educational decisions, like the recent postponement of exams, appear incongruous in the face of global advancements. It prompts a reflection on whether, as a nation, we are moving forward or repeatedly revisiting history, remaining stagnant amidst the progress of the world around us.
