A recent study has uncovered a significant and troubling decline in enrollments in engineering programs across Pakistan. The study, conducted by Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad and Umar Ahmad Noor, highlights a dramatic 76% decrease in participants in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from 16,005 in 2017 to just 3,895 in 2024. This sharp drop is raising alarms within the educational community and among policymakers.
The reduction in engineering students is part of a broader trend affecting pre-engineering courses and related disciplines such as physics, computer science, and architecture. The study emphasizes that fewer students are choosing these paths, which has significant implications for the future workforce in these critical fields. The decrease in interest is not just a local issue but a national concern, as it impacts the overall development and technological advancement of the country.
Further illustrating this decline is data from the Engineering Entrance Test (ETEA) at UET Peshawar. The number of applicants has plummeted from 15,529 in 2018 to a mere 3,895 for the upcoming 2024 academic year. This reduction is particularly stark when considering that pre-engineering enrollments constituted 54% of students in 2015, dropping to just 35% by 2023. Such statistics highlight a pressing need for immediate and effective intervention.
The report calls on key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Planning and Development, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Pakistan Engineering Council, to take urgent action. It suggests that comprehensive strategies are required to reverse this trend, which may include enhancing the appeal of engineering programs, improving career prospects, and providing better support and resources for students. Collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and government is essential to address this critical issue.
In conclusion, the steep decline in engineering enrollments in KP, and potentially across Pakistan, poses a significant challenge that needs immediate attention. The findings of Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad and Umar Ahmad Noor serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders. The future of the country’s technological and scientific progress depends on how effectively this issue is addressed. Swift and strategic actions are necessary to ensure that Pakistan can cultivate a robust pipeline of skilled engineers and related professionals
