Naira Eshaal

Islamabad is often considered as the most organized or perhaps the most planned city of Pakistan but now it is experiencing an urban sprawl as it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country as regards its density. This brings many costs and challenges. A study conducted spanning a decade reveals that the mega cities in Pakistan are growing at a rate of half a kilometer per year in the circumference to even one kilometer in circumference per year. This rapidly increasing size of the cities have led to both opportunities and challenges for their denizens. The geographical areas of the bigger cities are much higher. Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Multan are growing at a very fast pace.

The need is to know why urban sprawl is taking place. One of the reasons is an accelerated population growth. Much can be learnt from regional practices. India, Bangladesh and China all have taken measures to manage the population growth. Addressing this challenge remains significant for the efficacy of urban planning and service delivery. It would be noted with concern that unless it is controlled, no service will be effective.

There are some economic questions which need attention. If we wish to address the challenges of urban sprawl then the first hinderance is the multiple jurisdictions which makes it difficult to coordinate or have a policy in urban sprawl. With the passage of time, orientation of our society has been more of the car or bike users. The walking culture is not generally encouraged. There must be a change in the thinking of the people which is very essential to deal with the challenge of urban sprawl.

A detailed cost-benefit analysis of urban expansion plans is essential. While underpasses and signal-free expressways improve traffic flow, their long-term impact on urban sprawl and green spaces should be considered. Investing in unswerving and efficient public transport could provide a maintainable alternative, reducing overcrowding and environmental damage.

There is much of an ecological imbalance which is very much visible in case of Islamabad. Poor air quality has added to the problem which is created by urban expansion and which demands immediate solutions for sustainable living. Our expansion has been horizontal instead of vertical. Scarcity of land led to increased prices of housing which eventually led to increased cost of living for the residents of Islamabad.

For ensuring a sustainable living, an integrated, and all-encompassing smart city living is possible and may conveniently be adapted for Islamabad. This can be achieved with the collective efforts of the authorities and the citizens. There is a need that the citizens are sensitized about the importance of this very vital subject. Community mobilization is essential. Those who are well off can join hands in different areas and contribute to making one or two roads in the areas where they live.

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) of 1997 could be further strengthened to comprehensively address the contemporary challenges like environment integrity, climate change, urban slums and rapid urban expansion. This is possible by creating strong policies for sustainable practices which may include using the renewable energy and modern waste management disposal methods. Likewise, partnerships may be encouraged between the government sector and the public and private partnership for funding and implementation of smart city projects.

Role of CDA is but extremely important. It plays a central role in implementing these policies. Sustainable Development Goals may prove to be a guide for the urban planning and city development. For meeting the future needs focus should be upon shifting towards smart housing and developing energy efficient buildings. Already we can see that the vertical housing is much in progress in Islamabad however, the concern of environmentalist should also be kept in mind that the sufficient green areas must be reserved to retain the ecological balance.

The goal of shifting towards smart economy is very important. This goal can be attained by promoting local businesses. Economic development is a very important factor. By engendering economic growth through smart city initiatives can increase job opportunities which can be attained by business hubs and establishing technology parks and innovations as incubation centres, business centres to attract businesses. Offering of the skills development programs by offering different educational courses and trainings on the skills which can meet the requirements of the emerging industries. Smart environment can be attained by implementing renewable energy sources and water conservation measures. Inclusive communities can ensure equal access to the urban facilities and services for all residents.

Public transport systems should be evolved in such a way so as to ensure reduced traffic congestion and pollution. Some steps which are needed to implement the master plan include smart transportation by efficient traffic management systems for overcoming traffic rush. Modernizing transport may also include introducing more of the electric buses. Creating cycling lanes can ensure non motorized transport.

 Encouraging the use of solar panels in residential areas for promoting lesser dependence on fossil fuels means the use of more renewable energy and sustainable practices. The use of smart waste collection methods for waste disposal is also crucial. Effective policies are important for ensuring inclusivity and provision of equal opportunities for all the residents.

Rapid urbanization is associated with challenges like increased demand for clean drinking water and air pollution.

Integration of technology is yet another important aspect. Use of smart technology for resource management and service delivery will help a lot for dealing with the problem of urban sprawl. Offering online platforms for relegated segments of society and residents to access services, report issues and engage with local governance is significant for good urban solutions. Organizing of forums and workshops to gather input from residents on city development plans is important. Investment in infrastructure for supporting green spaces, public transport and renewable energy facilities is crucial. There is a need to identify the spaces within the city that can be utilized to the optimum. A balanced approach is required, focusing on developing new urban centers alongside managing the expansion of existing cities. We need to bring more of the towns at a level so that the people do not have to go for mass migration. If these measures are adopted and these strategies are implemented, it can be said that Islamabad may transition towards a model for integrated, democratic and inclusive smart city thereby promoting a sustainable future for its people.

Naira Eshaal | Islamabad

The writer is doing Bachelors in Psychology from NUST and can be reached at [email protected]

Muhammad Irfan

A country’s progress is largely dependent on its educational system, but Pakistan’s public school system still struggles with shockingly poor learning results. Even the most fundamental abilities appear to be beyond the scope of education in Pakistan, a country have one of the youngest populations in the world. Only 44% of fifth graders can do a basic two-digit subtraction problem, and only 55% can read a novel in Urdu or recite regional dialects, according to the ASER 2021 assessment. Nearly 22.8 million children are out of school, creating an even more severe problem in terms of access to and quality of education. Various systemic problems exist, such as insufficient teacher training, lack of resources, gaps in policy implementation, and socio-economic barriers, which are among the primary reasons. According to UNESCO’s recommendation 4 to 6% is allocate for education spending but in Pakistan, which is less than 2% of GDP. Further, the urban and rural disparities, lack of teachers, and prevalence of rote learning methods contribute to an increasing learning gap, leaving students unprepared for the demands of the modern world.This column provides you with the underlying causes of low learning outcomes in Pakistan’s public schools. Which is  drawing on expert opinions and data analysis.

The first major cause is lack of focus on primary education because the primary school years are considered the foundation of a child’s educational journey, which is critically underdeveloped in Pakistan’s public school system. This foundational phase is crucial for the development of children’s reading and writing, numeracy, and critical thinking skills; yet, the education system largely ignores it. A significant factor behind this neglect is the disproportionate allocation of resources. While education, in general, is underfunded overall, primary schools are particularly underserved, with many located in rural areas lacking even the most basic infrastructure.According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), “primary schools in Pakistan face severe issues such as inadequate funding, teacher shortages, and lack of basic facilities like classrooms and learning materials.” As highlighted in the report, “students in public primary schools often face overcrowded classrooms, untrained teachers, and outdated curricula.” These deficiencies leave children unprepared for secondary education and beyond, perpetuating a cycle of poor performance and high dropout rates.

Another major cause is the education system in Pakistan has been significantly impacted by the political landscape, which has often dictated the direction of educational policies. Political instability and changes in leadership have led to a fragmented approach to education reform, with successive governments frequently abandoning initiatives put forth by their predecessors. This lack of continuity has resulted in an education system characterized by episodic and insufficiently resourced reforms, failing to establish a cohesive long term vision Moreover, external influences from political figures have perpetuated a culture of favouritism and nepotism within the educational sector, further complicating efforts for reform. These internal dynamics, coupled with bureaucratic manipulations, have hampered the establishment of a robust educational infrastructure, undermining the potential for meaningful change.

The lack of adequate resources is another critical factor affecting the education system’s productivity. Educational funding in Pakistan is insufficient, with the need for at least 4% of GDP allocated to the education sector to foster meaningful improvements. Current allocations are often mismanaged due to political instability and bureaucratic inefficiencies, which undermine the development of necessary infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum enhancements. The resulting poor quality of education, characterized by outdated curricula and untrained teachers, fails to meet the demands of a competitive global landscape, thereby affecting the country’s socio-economic development adversely.

The Pakistani educational system also faces a multitude of structural issues that hinder its productivity and effectiveness. One of the most pressing problems is the outdatedcurriculum, which emphasizes rote memorization over critical thinking and practical skills. This approach fails to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century and does notequip them with the necessary skills for the modern job market. The curriculum is often developed without sufficient input from teachers, leading to a disconnect between what is taught and what students actually need to learn.

The lack of effective policy implementation compounds the structural issues within the education system. Despite recognizing the need for reforms, insufficient funding, political interference, and corruption have stymied efforts to create a unified and effective educational policy. This has resulted in a fragmented system characterized by low enrolment rates, high dropout rates, and a widening gap between educational institutions and the communities they serve. Addressing these structural issues is critical to improving the productivity and overall quality of education in Pakistan.

Traditional teaching methods, which often prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking and problem-solving skills, remain prevalent. Teachers require training that promotes innovative and student-centered pedagogical approaches to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Low salaries and restricted career advancement opportunities contribute to low morale among teachers. Adequate incentives and improvements in working conditions are crucial to encouraging educators to invest in their professional development.Enhancing teachers’ working conditions, increasing salaries, and providing career advancement opportunities will help improve motivation levels among educators, prompting them to engage more actively in their professional growth.

Lastly, The examination system in Pakistan is another structural issue that contributes to the education crisis. It primarily tests memory rather than understanding and analytical skills, promoting a culture of cheating and bribery. This reliance on rote learning stifles creativity and fails to measure students’ actual knowledge and abilities, Furth perpetuating the cycle of inadequate education.

The way forward to improve Pakistan’s educational system, establishing a national framework for teacher training and development is essential, outlining required skills, competencies, and ongoing professional development expectations. The creation of training centers and online platforms will provide easier access to relevant resources for teachers in remote areas, broadening their opportunities for growth. Additionally, encouraging innovative teaching methods focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through regular workshops can transform teaching practices. Enhancing teachers’ working conditions, increasing salaries, and providing career advancement opportunities will further motivate educators to engage actively in their professional growth, ultimately enhancing educational quality.