EDUCATION is often hailed as the backbone of a nation’s progress.
It is the foundation upon which the societies build their futures.
It is the force that shapes young minds, equips them with knowledge and empowers them to lead.
It also encourages innovation and challenges oppressive ideologies and stereotypes.
It is about developing minds that question, analyses and creates solutions.
Yet, in many parts of the world, unfortunately education is under siege not just by systemic failures but by the deliberate acts of violence.
In Pakistan the recent Khuzdar school bus attack that claimed the lives of innocent children is a grim reminder of how education itself has become a target.
There are forces attempting to cripple the youth and their access to education.
These attacks are not isolated events, they are part of a broader pattern where extremists and external influences seek to destabilize societies by targeting their most vulnerable innocent students.
Perhaps that is why the worst form of terrorism is aimed at children, the ones who represent the future.
When schools are attacked, it is not just the buildings that are destroyed, it is hope, progress and the very essence of a nation’s future.
The deliberate targeting of education is not unique to Pakistan.
In Nigeria, the terrorist group Boko Haram has notoriously abducted schoolchildren, particularly girls in an attempt to suppress education.
In Afghanistan, girls’ education has been repeatedly curtailed by extremist policies.
These attacks raise critical questions, for instance, are we doing enough to protect our future generations?
What does it say about our world where children are deliberately targeted?
History has shown that nations investing in education flourish.
Countries like Finland, South Korea, and Germany have prioritized education, leading to economic prosperity and technological advancements.
According to UNESCO, each additional year of schooling increases a country’s GDP by 0.37%.
The World Bank reports that countries with higher literacy rates experience lower crime rates and greater political stability.
Global education statistics present a complex landscape.
Although literacy rates are rising, yet significant inequities persist.
In low-income countries, 68.2 million children are still not attending school, with Sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting the highest out-of-school rate at 31.2%.
These figures underscore the critical need for educational reforms that prioritize accessibility, quality and security.
Terrorism and conflict disproportionately affect regions with low education levels as seen in parts of the Middle East and South Asia.
Education reforms around the world provide promising models for Pakistan to consider.
For instance, Finland eliminated standardized testing and focused on personalized learning and teacher autonomy to encourage critical thinking and creativity.
Singapore prioritizes STEM education and future-ready skills by integrating technology and innovative teaching methods to prepare students for evolving industries.
A leader in digital literacy, Estonia has embedded technology into classrooms so that the students can develop modern skills for a knowledge-based economy.
The Bolsa Família program of Brazil links financial support for low-income families to attend schools.
Pakistan has recognized the need for education reforms and has taken steps to improve literacy and skill development.
The government has introduced initiatives such as Public-private partnerships, to establish 1,500 new schools in underserved areas.
Digital learning platforms that have reached over 3 million students in 2024, technical and vocational training with 3,200 centres offering courses in high-demand fields.
The Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) and the National Adolescent and Youth Policy (NAYP) aims to provide scholarships, skill development and employment opportunities to young people.
These initiatives focus on the 4 Es: Education, Employment, Environment and Engagement to make sure that youngsters are equipped with the tools that can help them contribute to national progress.
Additionally, the Inter-Board Coordination Committee (IBCC) has raised passing marks from 33% to 40% to align with the international standards.
These reforms indicate progress, but are they enough to truly safeguard education and ensure that quality learning reaches every child?
How do we protect children from becoming targets of violence?
What role should global organizations play in safeguarding education?
Beyond policies, education must be prioritized as a national security concern.
The loss of educated youth does not only harm individuals but it also weakens the nation’s long-term growth and stability.
It is time to rethink how we protect education and ensure that it thrives against all odds.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
