Co-education in Pakistan

Co-education is a modern concept. It was first introduced in Switzerland but later on it spread to other countries as well. In our country, it is popular only in vocational institutions.

There exist two schools of thought which differ sharply in their views about co-education. One group favours co-education. It includes the people who are educated in the western traditions. They say that we should adopt co-education in our schools and colleges because our country is poor and under-developed. We cannot open separate schools and colleges both for the boys and girls. This becomes obvious in the case of vocational and technical institutions. It is very difficult for the government to open separate vocational colleges and equip them with necessary scientific apparatus and library.

There is a great dearth of skilled teachers on technical subjects in our country. That is why it is desirable to educate the boys and girls in the same institution. There is another advantage of co-education.

The interaction between boys and girls at this age helps in their practical life later on. Co-education also produces a healthy competition. The boys become more civilized and polished in the presence of girls. The girls also stand to gain something in the presence of boys.

Co-education has its disadvantages. The boys and girls might waste their time in activities unrelated to their studies. The youth is characterised by irresponsibility and immaturity. This free contact can result in laxity of morals. Therefore, it is false economy to teach them in the same institution.