The Punjab government’s recent decision to outsource over 8,000 public schools to private sector partners has sparked considerable criticism, and rightly so. This move, touted as a transformation in the education sector, raises serious concerns about the state’s commitment to providing quality education to its citizens. The notion that the private sector can address the deep-rooted issues within public education is not just overly optimistic; it is a dangerous abdication of responsibility by the government.

We have seen similar attempts in the past, most notably during the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in Sindh, where the outsourcing of public schools yielded underwhelming results. The success rate was far from impressive, with many schools failing to meet the expected standards and the quality of education suffering as a result. Given this track record, one cannot help but wonder if Punjab’s foray into outsourcing will fare any better. The challenges are systemic, and simply shifting the burden to the private sector is unlikely to address the core issues plaguing the education system. There is a legitimate concern that this initiative will only widen the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, as private entities prioritise profit over the public good. Education, much like healthcare, is a basic service that the state is obligated to provide. Handing over such critical services to private entities may work in other sectors, but when it comes to areas that directly impact the lives of millions, such an approach is fraught with risks.

In the end, this move reflects a broader failure of governance. The state’s inability to effectively manage and improve its own institutions is not solved by outsourcing but exacerbated. Instead of shirking its responsibilities, the government should focus on reforming and revitalising public education to ensure it serves all citizens, not just those who can afford to pay for it.