Understanding Role of Private Sector in the Development of School Education in Pakistan

AbstractSuccessive governments in Pakistan responded differently to the role of private sector in the educational development of this country. From 1947 till 1971, private sector was very much active in the promotion of education in the country. But it was also criticized on several grounds, some of these allegations include:Low status of TeachersLow academic standardsUnequal distribution of educational facilities among various sections of the society i.e. between male and female and urban and rural areas;More emphasis on liberal arts subjects as compared to scientific and technical programsKeeping in view of these factors, Educational Policy of 1972 recommended the nationalization of private schools and a complete ban was imposed on the establishment of new schools in the private sector. After a period of seven years, the educational policy of 1979 again recommended the establishment of new schools in the private sector. At present, a large number of institutions from primary to university level are working in this country in the private sector.