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Which educational index highlights disparities in educational performance in Pakistan?
Pakistan Education Index (PEI)
District Education Performance Index (DEPIx)
Provincial Education Assessment (PEA)
National Literacy Index (NLI)
Show Answer…
Correct Answer: District Education Performance Index (DEPIx)
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SUMMARY of the Article “Quality Learning” by Nazir A. Jogezai, Dawn, November 9th, 2024

The article highlights the severe educational challenges in Balochistan, where disparities in access and standards place it consistently at the bottom of development rankings. The District Education Performance Index (DEPIx) illustrates stark differences across regions, with unrealistic expectations for Balochistan’s schools to match those in more developed areas like Islamabad and Lahore. Inclusive education is identified as crucial for human development, yet it cannot exist without equity, especially in polarized societies. UNICEF data reveals Balochistan’s staggering 47% out-of-school children rate, far higher than other provinces. Additionally, a significant lack of basic facilities in schools — with only 23% having clean drinking water, 39% with boundary walls, and a mere 15% with electricity — further hinders education. Balochistan’s limited share in the NFC award makes equitable distribution of resources vital, suggesting a 3:1 resource allocation for deprived areas. The article critiques DEPIx for lacking insight into quality pedagogy and assessment methods, instead focusing on superficial indicators like dropout rates. It also notes the inadequate use of digital tools, which are present in schools but largely unused due to restrictive policies. Effective data collection is essential, with a need for valid, context-based information to inform decisions. Addressing out-of-school children (OOSC) rates requires a broader understanding of socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, as child labor and economic insecurity are major » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Negotiating Climate Finance,” by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Dawn, November 7th, 2024

The article sheds light on the upcoming climate summit COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the focus will be on setting global climate finance targets essential for addressing the evolving climate challenges. Pakistan’s delegation is confronted with a dual agenda: pursuing significant emissions reduction targets and mobilizing the finances necessary for both mitigating emissions and addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable countries like Pakistan. COP29 has three main goals: establishing a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to set financial targets for post-2025, enhancing national commitments through updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and advancing the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) to compensate affected communities. The NCQG is crucial, as it represents the global financial ambition required to meet climate adaptation and resilience goals, but developed nations have shown reluctance to commit to binding targets. Developing countries, including Pakistan, are advocating for a shift from loan-based finance to grant-based support to ease debt burdens, with calls to balance funding across adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage initiatives. Pakistan has played a key role in operationalizing the LDF, securing $792 million in pledges to assist communities affected by climate-related damages. This has strengthened its position in the » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Time to let Pak-India ties wait,” by Jawed Naqvi, Dawn, November 5th, 2024

In his article, Jawed Naqvi delves into the complexities of the India-Pakistan relationship, emphasizing that efforts to mend ties may be premature given the current political climates in both countries. Since their independence, the two nations have shared a turbulent relationship, often marred by distrust and conflict. Naqvi recounts several instances of goodwill between the countries in past decades, such as Pakistanis traveling to India in the 1960s for cultural reasons, or the welcoming reception Indian cricket fans received in Lahore in 2004. However, he also highlights the shift towards hostility, particularly as India’s political climate has grown increasingly hostile toward Muslims, including those in Pakistan. Mani Shankar Aiyar, a long-time advocate for peace between the countries, recently suggested that the visit of India’s Foreign Minister to Islamabad for the SCO summit hinted at a potential for improved relations, though Naqvi remains skeptical. He argues that genuine peace cannot be achieved if it serves only the interests of tycoons and power elites rather than ordinary citizens. Furthermore, Naqvi criticizes the Indian media’s tendency to sensationalize India-Pakistan tensions, often overshadowing more urgent global issues such as environmental degradation, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and other geopolitical crises. He illustrates this with anecdotes, such as a journalist focusing on Kashmir during an interview with the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi, despite broader regional turmoil. He also » Read More…