Report of the Commission on National Education

Abstract

The Commission on National Education was appointed by a Resolution adopted by the Government of Pakistan on the 30th December, 1958. The composition of the Commission, the Directives given to it and its terms of reference will be found in the full text of the Resolution. The Commission was inaugurated by the President of Pakistan, General Mohammad Ayub Khan, on January 5, 1959. Addressing the .members of the Commission on this occasion, the President stressed the need for a reorganization and reorientation of the existing educational ■system so as to evolve a national system which would better reflect our spiritual, moral and cultural values. At the same time he said the system should meet the challenge of the growing needs of the nation by assisting development in the fields of agriculture, science and technology. Atbove all, he said, our educational system should aim at character building and the pursuit of quality as well as at inculcating a sense of the dignity of labour. The President asked the Commission to suggest measures for making the best possible use of its available human and national wealth. He urged that attention be paid to national coordination of the work of our universities in different fields, and to a system of selective admission to them, based on aptitude and ability. Any such scheme would, however, have to ensure that the poor student wad1 assisted in continuing his studies. In framing its proposals he asked the Commission to keep in mind the limited resources of the country. The Comrriission records its thanks to the President for the Inspiration he has givten to it and his continued interest in its work. Immediately after this inaugural meeting the Commission formally began its task and considered its programme of work. An exhaustive questionnaire covering all aspects of education at its various levels and in its various forms was distributed widely to institutions and individuals throughout Pakistan and was reproduced in the Press. The response to this was excellent within the very brief time-limit allowed. In addition many individuals voluntarily submitted detailed memoranda concerning particular aspects of our education system. These replies and memoranda contained many valuable suggestions and ideas, several of which are reflected in the chapters which follow. The Commission expresses its thanks to all who contributed to its work in this way.