Framework for Economic Growth, Pakistan - Planning Commission

International conference on “Framework for Economic Growth, Pakistan”Questions and AnswersQUESTION:Question: To convert youth in productive assets education is the key. We have three systems ofeducation in Pakistan viz. public schools, English medium schools and madrisas. Until andunless we reform our education system how can we address inequality issues in education systemin Pakistan under education reforms?Question: Under 18 th amendment provincial ministries have a very important role to play. HowPlanning Commission is planning to involve Youth Ministry in the implementation of thestrategy? It took twenty years for government to come up with a national youth policy. Whatmechanism Planning Commission has to implement this new strategy?Question: In this youth conference we didn’t heard about the role our religions has set for oursociety. Moreover, no one in this gathering talked about tolerance space. When we talk aboutconnectivity it is basically connecting different tolerance spaces. Panel is requested to pleasecomment as it is an important issue for educational institutions as well.Question: There is a divide between English and Urdu medium school systems and job markethas a bias towards English medium schools which is a double standard. Is this system not aconstraint for the youth of Pakistan?Question: Universities and colleges are producing the knowledge but attitude is not beingdeveloped in educational institutions. Child is told from the start that after getting seventeenyears of education he will get a 17 grade job or a maximum salary. But we don’t developattitudes in them. Please comment.Question: For the last 64 years we are confused about our education system in Pakistan. We mustlearn from India as they have one system for their country. Can we do that in Pakistan?Question: Role of music, theatre and their revival should also be recognized. Where youth willgo, the youth is taking a leadership role in reviving music, including Sufi music etc. Pleasecomment.ANSWERS:Answer by Shireen Naqvi, CEO, School of leadership:If I ask you to make list of role modelswhich you have in your mind, or a personwho have made a great difference in thehistory to whom you would like to admire?Just think that what made them to do allthose fantastic things? I promise you thatnone of the lists would have a degree,school, university or GPA mentioned on thatlist. You would find name of Mr. AbdulSattar Edhi in Guinness Book Record and heis just class eight pass. I work for ruralcommunities and public schools. Pleasedon’t say that they are giving bad educationas there are many fantastic teachers andstudents there in public schools in ruralareas. The thing lacking is the propertraining of the youth.81