Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education: The Context of Constitution of Pakistan and International Commitments

Abstract

The research paper is discussing the context of equitable quality education in Pakistan in the light of international commitments specifically Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to education. This research paper specifically discussing the factors that are preventing the authorities and decision makers to purge those elements instigating hate towards others having distinct identities – be it religious, be it ethnic or be it linguistic. As revisiting textbooks and the curricula for removing content that is biased and instigating hate towards other religions was the major recommendation of the UN Committees on various treaties for Pakistan. This research study is navigating through different policy framework introduced in different regimes and intentions of the political decision-makers for ensuring the unbiased education for all as per the constitutional commitments for strengthening national unity and social cohesion. The qualitative method and interview technique were adopted to assess and evaluate the trickle-down effects of the educational policies introduced by successive governments – particularly in the light of international commitments focusing on Sustainable Development Goals target 4.7 and indicator 4.7.1 (along with other goals and targets such as SDG 12.8, and 13.3) that urge the state parties for considering/ensuring equitable quality education.