While our current state of affairs does give some insight into why the the budgetary allocations are as such. I am nonetheless disapointed
We have always been in the eye of the storm since our independence and the hostile environment we live in. There has always been this policy, of when things are right/better, we will change... its a horrible approach, and i've never liked it. We need to multi-task, and take things as they are.
We need to spread out our allocations, we are already getting aid (military and economic); infact half the aid was military. I would like to see Pakistan invest at least 4.5-5% on its education (WHO minimum for visible improvement is a 4% investment in Education) as I think the ramifications and results would show immediately in Pakistan and would be reflected in the job market, economy and society as a whole. Furthermore, iliteracy wreaks havoc, as we have seen in Pakistan, many of the foreign inspired militant groups pray on this segment of society knowing they can easily being brain washed. For this reason, schools are being bombed. We need to address this onslaught thru greater investment.
In saying all this, we are not privy to what was going on during the governments many deliberations while making the budget, but I hope this is just a temporary measure, the sub-level of investment in Pakistan's education sector is not helping our situation. Had investment in education and our economy been done with more zeal previously in previous decades (when the same excuses were used not to invest in education), the economy would have naturally grown enormously and the military budget would have been larger (despite being a lower % of our GDP) just by the sheer increase in GDP. A lack of foresight is to be blamed. I just hope we are not repeating it again...
We all know, without beating around the bush, that education is one of the greatest saviour for Pakistan and her people, it will make a considerable difference in our society, our economy, its effects trickle down to all facets of life. Particular emphasis needs to given to female literacy, as studies have proven that an educated mother universally educates all her children irrespective of gender, improves the finances of the household(as she gives more insight on financial decisions) and as a whole is better when dealing with banks then males are and again, improve the economy as well as society.
Pakistan started off with a literacy rate of just 6-7% at the time of independence(Sadly the truth! Unbelievable), we've made considerable strides in this regard, my own family was iliterate 2 generations ago, but we shouldnt lose the momemtum and our focus, as our literacy rate is still very low comparatively speaking especially when factoring in the competitive world we live in.
So, we will wait for the next budget now, hope and pray for some insight, and see whats in store....