Rawalpindi, a city renowned for its historical roots and strategic importance, is undergoing a quiet yet significant transformation in its education sector. In the midst of rising enrollment numbers and growing awareness about the value of education, schools across the city are grappling with a mix of opportunities and challenges.
“One of the most visible challenges in Rawalpindi’s educational landscape is the stark contrast between public and private institutions. While elite private schools boast modern facilities, trained staff, and extracurricular programs, many government schools continue to struggle with a lack of basic infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated teaching methods,” says Naseer Haider.
“I want my children to study in an English-medium school, but I can’t afford it. The government school near our house has no proper toilets or clean drinking water,” says Shazia Bibi, a mother of four from Dhoke Ratta.
“My son attends a government school in Dhoke Hassu. The teacher is good, but there are 60 children in one class,” says Fozia Alvi. “According to recent data from the Punjab Education Department, nearly 40% of government schools in the Rawalpindi district still lack science laboratories and libraries, despite repeated calls for reform,” says Shamsa Naqvi.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed another major gap: digital access. During lockdowns, students from well-off families continued their studies online, while those in lower-income areas fell behind,” adds Shamsa.
“The shift to online learning left thousands of students in the lurch. Even now, many students don’t have access to smartphones or stable internet,” says Nasir Hussain, a teacher at a public high school in Satellite Town.
“In response, the local government has launched pilot projects to introduce smart classrooms and distribute tablets in selected schools, but the scale remains limited,” adds Nasir. “Despite the challenges, Rawalpindi is also home to inspiring stories of resilience and innovation. Grassroots initiatives like Ilm Possible and The Reading Room Project are working with underprivileged communities to promote literacy and digital education,” says Naseem Shah.
“Meanwhile, universities such as Fatima Jinnah Women University and Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University are expanding outreach programs to support local students and teachers with training and scholarships,” adds Naseem.
“We believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. But we need consistent policy, community engagement, and investment to make it happen,” says Dr. Nasreen Qureshi, an education activist.
“As Rawalpindi continues to grow, its future depends heavily on the quality of education it provides today. While the road is long and often uneven, the collective efforts of citizens, educators, and government bodies could pave the way toward a more equitable and enlightened society,” says Maleeha Zaidi.Zafar Abbas says, “If we truly want to empower the next generation, we need to start by fixing our classrooms. That’s where real change begins.”
Published in The News on August 25, 2025.
