The success of any contemporary political system hinges on the political awareness of the general public in that country, given the significance of the voting process and the shaping of public opinion around various ideas and theories. Modern states employ numerous mechanisms to enhance political participation, aiming to incorporate the feedback from the country’s populace into policy formation to ensure the smooth operation of the political system. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, mass participation in the political process has dwindled over time; the voter turnout in the last general election was merely around forty percent (specifically, 44.5%). This trend indicates that people either lack trust in the current political system and its management or fail to recognize the importance of casting their votes. Let us analyze the extent to which education can contribute to political awareness in Pakistan and explore methods to increase political participation.

The Culture of Students Unions

In the early years following independence, student unions played a pivotal role in shaping the political discourse of the country. In addition, the student union platform provided a breeding ground for new political leaders, thus being viewed as a training ground. The prohibition of student unions, along with the imposition of a ‘ban on politics’ on campuses, has not only eroded trust in the political system among the masses but has also contributed to a leadership crisis. Most contemporary leaders struggle to connect with the young population, which constitutes over 68% of the total. Many of these youngsters abstain from participating in the electoral process due to a prevailing sense that the ruling elite has failed to gain their trust, rendering the entire electoral exercise unnecessary in their view. Consequently, they opt to stay home and indulge in their favorite TV shows on election day. It’s evident that the majority of the youth lack a political voice, making them susceptible to various market-driven propaganda and inclined to embrace populist figures as saviors who will miraculously rescue our homeland. The ban on student unions has further deepened the decline of our political culture. As elections approach, it becomes crucial to analyze how education, particularly within universities, can significantly contribute to enhancing the political awareness and acumen of the youth. This, in turn, will empower them to make more informed choices for the betterment of the country

The need for better Political Education: Recognizing the importance of the Political Process

Drawing further on the arguments we have discussed before; the need of the hour is to inculcate the importance of political education in the institutions of higher education. There is a need to introduce more courses even in Stem fields of study to educate youngsters about the history of their country and to make them aware of the functioning of the country’s political system and their duties to participate for the betterment as well. It has been generally observed that students, mostly from STEM fields are so consumed in their studies that they are not very aware of what goes around in their surroundings, but they are likely to climb the social ladder quickly and be in key positions in society. Hence it is very necessary to educate this class and inculcate the skills of critical thinking in the age where the lines between truth and falsehood keep getting blurred.

The Situation of Ruler Areas

A significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, still lacks access to quality education. Gender disparities persist, with lower enrollment and retention rates for girls, and this directly affects their political participation and awareness. Moreover, the curriculum often lacks a comprehensive understanding of political systems, democratic values, and civic responsibilities, which hinders the development of political consciousness among students.

The Role of Education in Political Awareness in Pakistan:

Education can play a transformative role in fostering political awareness in Pakistan and in enhancing active participation When individuals are exposed to a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, civic values, and an understanding of political structures, they become better equipped to engage in the political process. A comprehensive education system should not only focus on academic subjects but also on imparting civic education that instills a sense of responsibility, ethics, and participation in the political sphere.

Conclusion:

Education and political awareness are intricately connected, and their relationship is of paramount importance in a country like Pakistan. A well-informed and politically conscious citizenry is essential for a vibrant democracy, social cohesion, and sustainable development. By addressing the challenges in the education system and implementing strategies to enhance political awareness, Pakistan can pave the way for a brighter future where its citizens actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny. Investing in education is not just an investment in human capital but a pathway to a more enlightened, engaged, and prosperous society.

Related: Role of the Student Counselor in Pakistani Schools and Colleges

The writer, Muhammad Saad, is an M.Phil scholar of Political Science at GCU Lahore.

In any school or college, the role of the student counselor is very pivotal as it determines the performance of not only that school but the future of students as well. In Pakistan however, given the current situation of the economy and its dire effects on education, it’s considered not more than a luxury for the majority of schools and colleges to afford a designated student counselor specifically hired to help the students in navigating their career and professional choices. Regardless of the situation at hand, one can argue that no education system can survive without hiring and training efficient student counselors who are well-versed in the human psyche and have hands-on experience on how to deal with children hailing from all economic and social backgrounds. The ever-changing landscape of education with the advent of AI and all the gadgets that students are using these days, makes the role of the school counselor even more important. Here are some areas which require the help of the counselor in fostering a safe environment for students at schools.

Provision of Psychological and Emotional Support:

One of the central responsibilities of the school counselor is to provide psychological and emotional support to students. With the increasing pressure of academic performance, peer relationships, and familial expectations, many students in Pakistani schools and colleges face stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. The counselor offers a safe and confidential space for students to discuss their concerns, fears, and anxieties. Through individual or group counseling sessions, students are equipped with coping strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and problem-solving skills, empowering them to navigate the complex emotional landscape and achieve a positive mental state. Sadly, in Pakistan, we see that the psychological health of students is often neglected as the only focus of teachers is to train students to be better only at memorization. Hence, it is pertinent for schools to have a counselor who can not only help students to mentally string but also can guide teachers and instructors to help students in encountering emotional and psychological issues.

Navigating through the Academic Life: Choosing the Right Career

The school counselor also plays a crucial role in guiding students in their academic pursuits and career choices. In a diverse and rapidly changing job market, students often grapple with selecting the right academic path that aligns with their interests, aptitudes, and future goals. The counselor assists students in understanding their strengths and weaknesses, exploring various academic and career options, and making informed decisions about their educational journey. Additionally, they may organize career fairs, workshops, and seminars to expose students to a wide range of career opportunities and enhance their career readiness. Again in Pakistan, due to a lack of such guidance, students face difficulties in navigating their professional lives and end up choosing the wrong careers in which they do not find any fulfillment. And that further translates into a plethora of problems that the country is facing, with people ending up in jobs they do not feel passionate about and hence damaging the whole sector.

Personal Development:

The school counselor contributes significantly to students’ personal and social development by promoting interpersonal skills, effective communication, and conflict-resolution abilities. Through workshops and interactive sessions, students are educated about topics such as empathy, respect, diversity, and cultural sensitivity. The counselor serves as a mediator in resolving conflicts among peers, thereby fostering a harmonious and inclusive school environment. Furthermore, the counselor may collaborate with teachers and parents to address behavioral issues, thereby creating a comprehensive support network for students. This is one of the key qualities to have while starting any career as a professional. Most students learn this the hard way after joining any firm or company and sometimes this can impact their career way. So, it is pertinent for students to learn these hacks to socially develop themselves during early education with the help of a student counselor.

Collaboration with Stakeholders:

Effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, school administrators, and external agencies, is essential for the school counselor to fulfill their role optimally. They work in tandem with teachers to provide tailored support to students who may be struggling academically or emotionally. They engage with parents to provide insights into their child’s well-being and academic progress, fostering a strong home-school partnership. Furthermore, the counselor collaborates with school management to develop and implement policies that promote students’ overall development and well-being. As the saying goes “It takes a whole village to raise a child”, in the same way, the involvement of all the parties is very crucial in ensuring a safe environment for the upbringing of students. Oftentimes, as the research shows, the academic performance of children is highly dependent on the environment he faces at home. Hence it is crucial that students are not facing any kind of abuse in their homes and it is the job of a student counselor to ensure that existing safe space between students and parents.

Conclusion

The role of the school counselor in Pakistani schools and colleges is undeniably significant, encompassing a diverse range of responsibilities that contribute to student’s holistic development and well-being. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the counselor’s role will likely expand to address emerging challenges and opportunities. By providing psychological support, academic guidance, personal and social development, and inclusive education, the school counselor acts as a pillar of support, fostering an environment where students can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. The education system must continue to realize and invest in the role of the school counselor to ensure the overall success and well-being of not only the students but the whole country. It is the only way to fight the challenges that the education sector is facing and it will go a long way in harvesting future professionals, who will no longer get stuck in jobs that do not give them fulfillment and will pave a path forward towards sustainability and progress.

Related: Gwadar University in Lahore? What’s the fuss about?

The writer, Muhammad Saad, is an M.Phil scholar of Political Science at GCU Lahore.

Islam is not a religion just focused on rituals and practices, but its scope goes way beyond that as it guides its followers in every dimension of their lives. Though the recent onslaught of modernism and secularism wants to restrict and control the public facets of Islam, just like they did with Christianity, given the holistic nature of Islamic tradition, such efforts have been not that successful as all recent surveys suggest that the majority of Muslims residing in Muslim majority land strongly believe in the supremacy of Shariah and they look for guidance in the moral principles of Islam, as Dr Shabbir Akhtar has written in his renowned book, Islam as Political Religion: The Future of an Imperial Faith, “Islam resists Secularization at a time when the gods of other faiths are competing to fall prostrate at the altar of secularism.”

But still, with the constant attacks from modernity that only recognize the material body and not the soul, one can observe a disconnect in the theory and practice of today’s Muslim population, Islam which looks to change the spirit of the man is just confined to rituals and practices without any real work implication and that disconnect becomes more apparent in the month of Muharram when Muslims across the globe commemorate the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet and as per the authentic narration of Trimdhi, he is the master of all the youth of the heaven. This hadith shows the significance of the personality of Hussian and how crucial is for Muslims, especially for youngsters to follow his teachings and philosophy.

Today, it seems like we Muslims have forgotten the legacy of Imam Hussain, though every year, we dedicate the first ten days of the first month of the Islamic Calendar to commemorate his life and ideology but these days are just like rituals without any having any practical implications and effect on our daily lives. The legacy of Imam Hussain as per Scholars like Maudodi and Ali Shariati, was to take a stand against oppression and injustice taking place in society, even if that means putting your own life at stake. In a booklet that was published in 1960, Maudodi delved into the depth of the tragedy of Karbala and tried to answer one key question, “what led Imam Hussain to sacrifice not only his life but also the life of his family?” The answer though is quite simple, but it is difficult to digest that the man, whom the Prophet himself honored had to make such a difficult decision just because the caliphate was being replaced by kinship (Malookiat). Though the society was still being ruled by the Shariah and it was not like the nominated caliph had all the powers to change the system but still, everybody could sense that this may be a stepping stone that will later open gates for all the ills to penetrate the Muslim society.

The Muslims of today, though claim to be the followers of the Prophet of Hussain, but when we analyzed the situation that our Ummah finds itself in and the challenges we are facing across the globe, from Political, and economic to social decline, it becomes apparent that these are just mere claims and we as community are just trying to follow the dominant western trend rather than following the teachings and footsteps of Hussain.

Having a cursory look at Islamic history, no one can deny that the legacy of Hussain was not as relevant as it is today considering our situation and the multi-faceted challenges that we are facing as a global community. Especially the youngsters, who are going to be the leaders of their respective communities, have a lot to learn from the legacy of Imam Hussain if they ought to fight the current onslaught of modernism that seeks to “reform” and “reshape” Islamic thought as per the western norms and standards.

Read more: Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) by Syed Abul A’la Maududi

The writer, Muhammad Saad, is an M.Phil scholar of Political Science at GCU Lahore.

The value of internship in higher education cannot be stated enough. It is no secret that to excel in any academic field, real hand on experience is a must, and every student of university tries to acquire more skills during studies so that he can look for a proper job after getting passed out and can impress their employers with their experience and relevant work history. Almost every employer and CEO looks for professionals so that they won’t have to train the individual for the position. Let’s have a look at what an internship can offer to students pursuing their professional degrees and how it can help them in their careers.

Bridging the Gap between Academics and Industry

In any given situation, an internship can play an important role in bridging the gap between the students who are studying and the professionals working in the industry as it allows the students to put their theoretical ideas into practice and can learn to appreciate the difference between the realities of practical life and student life. Also, this hands-on experience helps them understand how concepts and theories are implemented in the workplace, making their academic knowledge more relevant and practical. Hence, the value of internship in higher education must be realized by both, the teachers who are training the forthcoming professionals who will be running the industries as well as the market which hiring these individuals to carry out innovative work in the future, so both of these parties should work together to facilitate students in finding the right opportunities that can help them polish their skills and they can get the right experience to sharpen their resume.

Networking

Networking is another crucial aspect of the internship and most students failed to realize its importance until they reach the mid-career level. It’s the job of the teachers and instructors to realize the importance of networking so that they can navigate through the rough patches in their careers. And through building the right connections in the field, students have the opportunity to grab the right job as soon as they graduate and, in that way, an internship can act as a stepping stone in the career they want to pursue.

Developing the Right Skills

The value of Internship in higher education cannot be ignored as it helps students in acquiring rightful skills and train them to deal with the real world outside their classroom. The environment and the experience that students get in libraries through books and lectures can only go thus far, the experience of the real world, is a different game altogether and thus internship allows students to transition from student life to professional life in an efficient manner and give them the access to required skills that can further help them to enhance their career.

Learning more about your own potential

When employed in a professional capacity within an organization, it is crucial to possess more than just business and technical expertise. Alongside these skills, the industry also demands proficiency in interpersonal abilities. Regardless of your individual competence, your chances of succeeding in any profession are slim unless you cultivate a collaborative work ethic and embrace teamwork.

Furthermore, it is essential to comprehend the significance of working under pressure and meeting deadlines. Undertaking an internship provides valuable exposure to the demands of a work environment, and the experience gained from such situations can be advantageous when discussing them during future interviews. By demonstrating this experience, you can effectively convey to potential employers that you are well-suited for their company. Hence the value of internship must not be undermined in higher education as it allows students to explore their hidden potential and they can learn from their mistakes.

Related: On Crowdfunding the Education

The writer, Muhammad Saad, is an M.Phil scholar of Political Science at GCU Lahore.

The recent debate on Pakistan’s Twitter has sparked up a debate about receiving crowdfunding for education. The debate started after a Twitter handle, asked for people’s donations so that that person could afford to study in LUMS. Though it was not the first time someone asked for crowdfunding for education on Twitter this time, people started criticizing this practice mostly citing the current economic situation of the country where more than 4 million people have fallen below the poverty line and half the population is struggling to make the ends meet, and meanwhile, this appeal to continue studies in one of the most elitist institutes of Pakistan was insensitive to say the very least.

But the discourse on Twitter did not remain confined to this very specific appeal but just in a matter of time, it got spread to the wider issue of whether it is ethical or not to receive crowdfunding to get an education in the prestigious educational institutions of the country. Many people have recounted their experience of studying in public universities and working hard instead of “asking money from strangers on Twitter”. Some even argued that people should learn to stay within their means instead of choosing elite institutions, they must opt for public universities. A twitter user Farrukh Abbasi was the first one to criticize this appeal and he wrote “An exceptionally brilliant student gets a B in O levels computer science and gets admission in LUMS for computer science and his sister says “My father didn’t do corruption as a civil servant so Pakistani Twitter must pay me 5 lacs a semester” This country is amazing”.

An exceptionally brilliant student gets a B in O levels computer science and gets admission in LUMS for computer science and his sister says “My father didn’t do corruption as a civil servant so Pakistani Twitter must pay me 5 lakh a semester”

This country is amazing

— Farrukh Abbasi (@FarrukhJAbbasi) June 14, 2023

To which the Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Shaza Fatima responded “This is an unfair tweet mocking someone in need. Even if these young kids say things we don’t agree with in their time of desperation, we should look past that n try to help. I think it is abs inspirational the way these siblings are working their way up. More power to them.” The famous model and actress Ushna Shah also called out the people trolling the person asking the money and wrote “Surprisingly, heartless trolling still doesn’t cease to shock me. LUMS isn’t an easy institution to get into, having to drop out because of finances would be heartbreaking for any hard-working student & I am sure it isn’t easy to ask for help on a public forum. Don’t donate if you don’t want to, but at least be kind!”

This is an unfair tweet mocking someone in need. Even if these young kids say things we dont agree with in their time of desparation, we should look past that n try to help.

I think it is abs inspirational the way these siblings are working their way up. More power to them 🤲🏼 https://t.co/XzJ9SXUmld

— Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) June 14, 2023

But the arguments against this practice of receiving donations were also quite convincing, another famous Twitter user recounted her story of not being able to afford the fee of LUMS and hence had to choose another university, she wrote “Had the opportunity to go to LUMS. Didn’t even attempt to move through the process because I knew I couldn’t afford it. Didnt have money to pay for fees for university (I eventually ended up at Bahria University PNS Shifa had a Psychology Program, at the Institute of Professional Psychology). Deferred payment & paid it after I got the job. Still, remember the day they told me I couldn’t attend my convocation until I paid my fees. I ran from pillar to post trying to get my salary a bit early (I got a job immediately after I got my results) so I could pay 26000 rupees (which was my semester fees) and attend my graduation ceremony. Would I have wanted someone to pay all that money? No. Would I have asked anyone to pay it for me? Also probably no. But if someone wants others to pay for it and others want to pay for it, I guess it’s their choice. Each to his own. Sharing this story & perspective because you can do what you want based on your own experience and choices. The world judges. What eventually matters is the peace you make with yourself. This pic is from 2007 from the graduation ceremony. I completed my Master’s in Clinical Psychology and was an assistant lecturer at Bahria and Iqra University.”

Had the opportunity to go to LUMS. Didn’t even attempt to move through the process because I knew I couldn’t afford it. Didnt have money to pay for fees for university (I eventually ended up at Bahria University PNS Shifa had a Psychology Program, at Institute of Professional… pic.twitter.com/pFUq4l4tHo

— Mahwash Ajaz 🇵🇰 (@mahwashajaz_) June 16, 2023

All these arguments aside, it is a normal practice for students to use “gofundme” to afford education, especially in Western countries, but most of these students asking for donations are from the lower middle or working class. Even in Pakistan, I have seen professors of different universities taking on social media to ask for funds for their students belonging to low-income families who would otherwise not be able to continue their studies in any public or private institution.

Please help @Xumtazsajidi pursue his MA in Climate Change & Int’l Devt. Mumtaz is one of the most committed young people I know. He has received a scholarship which covers 80% of his tuition. He just needs a little more help to get there. Please share! https://t.co/MKfcMm4mEk

— Nida Kirmani (@NidaKirmani) July 31, 2021

Personally, I don’t see the harm in the practice of crowdfunding as long as it is being done to uplift the communities who otherwise do not have the means to excel in society. But in this specific case, the person was coming from a place of entitlement, like the country owed her money so she should continue studying at LUMS. The class dimension of this whole fiasco cannot be ignored as if it was not someone from working-class asking for funds, and when some Twitter users dig out her old tweets, all were in for a surprise, that the same person once asked for money so that her dog could play PIANO.

Hello lovely twitter people. I’m crowdfunding $20,000 to train my dog how to professionally play the piano. I think eventually, through performances worldwide, this dog is going to turn the tables on our BoP crisis. With your support we can make this Paki pup rule the world! pic.twitter.com/ROkZ4FCb58

— Areeba Fatima (@AreebaFatimaa) June 6, 2023

As ridiculous as that sounds, it showed that this person was just scamming people for the money, but nonetheless, it did spark the debate on crowdfunding for education.

Related: Role of Libraries and information centers in promoting education in Pakistan

The writer, Muhammad Saad, is an M.Phil scholar of Political Science at GCU Lahore.