CHALLENGES OF CURRICULUM DECENTRALIZATION IN PAKISTAN’S EDUCATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Curriculum decentralization in Pakistan’s education system emerged as a significant reform following the 18th Amendment in 2010, which transferred curriculum development responsibilities from the federal to provincial governments. While decentralization aims to accommodate regional diversity and improve educational responsiveness, it faces numerous challenges, including governance inefficiencies, lack of standardized implementation, and disparities in educational resources among provinces. Political instability and varying provincial capacities further complicate the process, leading to inconsistent curriculum frameworks and disparities in quality education. Additionally, inadequate teacher training and institutional support hinder effective curriculum implementation at the local level. The study highlights that while decentralization has the potential to promote inclusivity and contextualized learning, it also risks exacerbating educational inequalities due to varying provincial approaches. Addressing these challenges requires a balanced approach that ensures provincial autonomy while maintaining national educational standards. Effective policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative governance structures are crucial to enhancing curriculum decentralization’s effectiveness in Pakistan