Pakistan Must End Class Divide in Education, Says Jahangir Tareen

By Farzana Chaudhry – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE:
Senior politician Jahangir Khan Tareen has said that Pakistan cannot progress until the stark divide between the education of rich and poor children is eliminated. “A nation advances only when every child, regardless of economic status, receives the same quality of education,” he stated. Equal opportunities and equitable access to resources, he added, are the foundations of modern development. “China is a clear example before us; progress comes when every citizen is given equal chances to succeed.”

Tareen acknowledged the contributions of Ishaq Khan Khakwani and Akbar Khan, noting that the newly inaugurated facility was the result of their efforts. “Khakwani Sahib and I have worked together for many years, and I am pleased that this computer lab has been established through his support and the technical assistance of the Tareen Education Foundation. This facility will greatly benefit the students,” he said.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s social divide has resulted in different realities for different classes. “Those with resources progress differently, while middle-class families face struggles of their own. We will only move forward when this divide is removed. China progressed rapidly because everyone was provided equal opportunities, and today it is a nation the world admires.” He reiterated that a child born into a poor household deserves the same standard of education as one born into wealth. “It will be my greatest happiness to see children graduating from here go on to make Pakistan proud.”

Tareen expressed these views while inaugurating a modern computer laboratory at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School Machiwal, Vehari. The lab, costing PKR 10 million, was fully funded by Ishaq Khan Khakwani in his personal capacity, while the Tareen Education Foundation (TEF) provided full technical support.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ishaq Khan Khakwani said he wanted his contribution to have long-term public benefits. “I announce today that I will personally help fill the gaps in science and computer labs across the schools of Tehsil Vehari wherever such facilities are missing,” he pledged, thanking Jahangir Khan Tareen and the TEF team for their support.

The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Vehari Babar Suleman, Chief Executive Education Vehari Nasir Aziz, CEO Tareen Education Foundation Akbar Khan, and other officials.