THE POLITICAL INFLUENCES SHAPING EDUCATION POLICY IN PAKISTAN: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

In the modern technology-oriented societies, the need to have a high-quality education system is absolute; however, there are a significant number of factors that influence education policy, which is especially true in the case of Pakistan. Although socioeconomic factors are habitually and commonly cited as causes of inequality, agenda-setting in politics, and government interactions with interest groups with self-interests, increasing global competitiveness through the new technology has an absolute effect on policymaking. The role of the state in the delivery of adequate education is in the first place and education assumes the centre of the reform agenda of the state that fosters transparency and democratization. Qualified teachers and researchers can achieve these aims by taking the lead in curriculum development and application. However, the problem of political interference, that is, corruption and misplaced resource distribution, still remains a great challenge. To gain support on the electoral front, politicians often promise to make education changes, but their moves are often partisan in nature, hence making changes inconsistently, thereby sabotaging long-term gains in education.