Despite the challenges in expanding educational infrastructure to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, Pakistan still has a significant number of schools, colleges, and universities where students pursue their education. According to official data, Pakistan has a vast education system with over 200 universities accredited by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), alongside 3,000-degree colleges and a sprawling network of schools comprising 182,600 primary schools, 46,800 middle schools, and 34,800 secondary schools. Additionally, there are 7,648 higher secondary colleges and 3,729 specialized institutions such as technical and vocational schools.

The above-mentioned statistics reveals a contradiction; while the number of educational institutions may appear impressive on paper, the overall outcomes in terms of producing responsible, ethical, and enlightened citizens remain deeply unsatisfactory.

Every year, a large number of youth graduate not only with general degrees but also with professional qualifications, becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers, and more. At first glance, this may seem like a promising indicator of national progress. However, a closer look at societal behavior and various survey reports reveals a disturbing reality; while our students may be getting educated in terms of degrees and certificates, we have failed to shape them into good human beings and responsible citizens.

The fundamental purpose of education is not only to impart academic knowledge but also to instill values such as compassion, discipline, respect, and tolerance. Unfortunately, these essential qualities are increasingly missing in our educated youth. It is disheartening to observe the conduct of students within educational institutions. Incidents of disrespect towards teachers, disregard for discipline, and unruly behavior are becoming alarmingly common. Teachers, who were once regarded with the reverence of spiritual guides and mentors, are now often at the receiving end of rude behavior, verbal abuse, and even physical threats. Such attitudes are a grim reflection of a deeper moral and ethical decay that is taking root in our society.

Outside academic institutions, the situation appears no better. Professionals such as doctors and lawyers – who undergo years of rigorous education and are expected to embody integrity and civility – are frequently seen engaging in public brawls, heated altercations, and even acts of violence. Such conduct is not only embarrassing but also undermines the very foundations of a civilized society. In this painful situations, question arise that what kind of education have we been imparting that fails to produce decent, respectful, and socially responsible individuals?

In contrast, countries like Japan and many in Europe have long recognized that education without moral and civic development is incomplete. Their curricula and teaching methods place a strong emphasis on shaping character, building a sense of responsibility, and fostering empathy among students. From a young age, children are taught not only mathematics and science but also how to be respectful, honest, and community-oriented. The result is visible in their societies where civic sense, discipline, and mutual respect are not mere slogans but a way of life.

Our failure in this regard can be traced to several factors. Firstly, our education system is overly focused on rote learning and examination performance. Moral education, ethics, and social values are either entirely missing from the curriculum or treated as secondary, non-examinable subjects. When values are not taught, practiced, or rewarded, they naturally erode over time.

Secondly, the role of teachers in character building has been drastically undermined. The teaching profession, once considered noble and revered, now struggles with poor salaries, lack of respect, and limited professional growth. Teachers themselves are often disillusioned, undertrained, or overburdened, leaving them with neither the motivation nor the means to shape young minds effectively.

Thirdly, the family unit, which plays a crucial role in the moral upbringing of children, is under stress due to economic pressures, social changes, and a declining focus on shared values. Many parents are unable or unwilling to spend quality time with their children, leaving them exposed to influences that are often negative and unregulated, especially from social media and television.

What we need is a holistic reform of our education system – one that integrates academic learning with moral, civic, and emotional development. Schools and colleges must be empowered to create environments where values such as respect, patience, honesty, and tolerance are taught and practiced. Teachers should be trained not just to teach subjects, but also to inspire and guide students towards becoming better human beings. Curriculums must include ethics, character-building lessons, and social responsibility projects as essential components.

Simultaneously, families must reassert their role in nurturing ethical behavior and empathy. Parents need to lead by example, ensuring their children understand the importance of humility, hard work, and kindness. Media, too, has a responsibility to promote narratives that celebrate honesty and civility rather than sensationalism and aggression.

In a nutshell, the challenge is not merely to produce graduates but to produce citizens who understand and practice the values that make a society dignified and harmonious. Degrees may open the doors of employment, but it is character and civility that keep those doors open and help build a truly progressive nation. It is time we recognize that without moral and civic education, our schools and universities are producing qualified individuals – but not educated human beings.