Only 16% of Candidates Pass Teacher License Exam in Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said he holds his teachers in the same high regard as his parents, crediting them for shaping his future and enabling him to excel in his field. Speaking at the CM House during a ceremony organised by the Sindh Education Department to award teaching licenses to qualified candidates, he stressed that such respect must be earned through delivering quality education.

The ceremony was attended by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, Minister for Livestock Mohammad Ali Malkan, School Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi, diplomats, lawmakers, educationists, Shahzad Roy of Zindagi Trust, and members of civil society.

Murad Ali Shah urged citizens to honour their teachers while also emphasising that educators must uphold their responsibility by providing proper instruction. He recalled that the idea of teaching licenses, first proposed by Education Minister Sardar Shah three years ago, was aimed at ensuring competency and accountability within the teaching profession.

At the event, the chief minister awarded licenses to 646 successful candidates, including 297 Junior Elementary School Teachers (JEST) and 195 pre-service teachers. Noting that only 16 percent of the 4,000 applicants passed the licensing test, he acknowledged the pressing need to raise educational standards.

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Shah reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to introducing highly qualified educators through the Sindh Teacher Education Development Authority (STEDA). He also expressed concern over the large number of out-of-school children, stressing the need to focus on both enrollment and the quality of instruction for those attending school.

Reflecting on the state of education, he noted a gradual decline over the past four to five decades. “There was a time when primary schools provided excellent education, but over the years, merit-based appointments have weakened,” he said.

Education Minister Sardar Shah, speaking at the ceremony, said the introduction of teaching licenses was a milestone that took three years to realise. “Change is welcome, but it must be effective,” he remarked, adding that the licensing system will help improve the quality of education.

Addressing misconceptions, he explained that some people had misunderstood teaching licenses as being similar to weapon permits. Initially, he said, teachers were appointed without licenses due to the urgent need to keep schools running. However, moving forward, all newly recruited teachers will undergo training before receiving a license, and only licensed teachers will be eligible for appointments.

“Teaching should be seen as more than just a job—it is a service and a responsibility,” Sardar Shah emphasised.

Other speakers at the event included School Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi, Dr. Sajid Ali of Aga Khan University, Shahzad Roy, and STEDA Executive Director Rasool Bux Shah.