Starting in the mid-1990s, a major shift has occurred in the Government of Pakistan's (GoP) approach to the country's education sector. The government has officially recognized that the public sector on its own lacks the necessary resources and expertise to effectively address and rectify low education indicators. Moreover, it has taken the bold step to assert and involve the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the financing, management and delivery of education services in Pakistan. In essence, the GoP sees its role shifting from being the sole provider to also acting as a facilitator and enabler of the education sector in Pakistan.
Among other initiatives, the GoP has undertaken policy reforms and provided incentives for the private sector to flourish. From initiating innovative programs to working in tandem with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that run public schools, the government has stepped up its efforts to include various other stakeholders in the delivery of education in our country. While the collaboration of these different players in the education sector is not a new phenomenon in Pakistan's history, it is the first time that this interplay has been recognized, supported and given a mandate to succeed.