Decentralization and Education in Pakistan: A Critical Assessment of Provincial Autonomy in Policy Implementation

Abstract

Since Pakistan passed the 18th Amendment provinces now have more power to set and deliver education policies. This research examines how much provincial freedom helps schools provide better education to all students. Our research examines the benefits and ongoing challenges of provincial education policies in Pakistan through steps like studying policy development and provincial control systems. Each province's educational system now develops unique reforms through decentralization but regions still differ greatly in quality and the federal-provincial connection is weak plus officials have limited ability to carry out their work. Research shows that better government leadership needs to work together with states to spread education resources fairly throughout all provinces. The research suggests improving governance effectiveness requires training schemes and common teaching guidelines with strict performance standards in Pakistan's education system.

Keywords: Decentralization, education policy, 18th Amendment, governance, provincial autonomy, policy implementation, Pakistan.