This trip was not only a chance to reconnect with my roots but also an opportunity for me to understand and assess the state of educational access, healthcare, and the evolving societal norms in Pakistan. Inspired by the mission of the Milken Family Foundation to “discover and advance inventive, effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives,” I aimed to explore how Pakistan's education and healthcare systems could be improved and how societal changes are beginning to take root.

Pakistan's literacy rate stands at a dismal 58%, one of the lowest in the world. This statistic reflects a harsh reality where impoverished conditions often prevent children from attending school, with girls being particularly disadvantaged. Only 2% of the country’s already struggling GDP is spent on education each year. This limited investment has led to inadequate educational infrastructure, a shortage of schools, and insufficient resources, particularly in rural areas.

One of the major barriers to education in Pakistan is the lack of experienced and trained educators. The economic difficulties the country faces exacerbate this problem, as low salaries and poor working conditions deter qualified individuals from entering the teaching profession. Addressing these barriers is crucial to improving the education system. By bringing awareness to these issues, we can hope to garner the economic support needed to enact meaningful change.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Allama Iqbal Medical College, where I was heartened to learn that the enrollment rate for women has significantly increased over the years. This visit was particularly impactful for me as my mother attended this university with aspirations of becoming a doctor. She moved to the United States in 1996 but, due to different requirements, couldn't fulfill her dream and sadly passed away from cancer in 2020.

During my visit to Allama Iqbal Medical College, I had the chance to meet a family friend and some of her college friends, all of whom are currently in medical school. They spoke enthusiastically about how there are now more women than men in their school, which is a positive shift towards gender equality in higher education. Despite this progress, girls in Pakistan still face numerous challenges in accessing education. Societal norms, early marriages, and a lack of school facilities in rural areas continue to hinder their educational opportunities. It's imperative to address these issues to ensure that every girl in Pakistan has the chance to receive a quality education.

Another eye-opening experience was my visit to a local hospital in the area because my friend’s brother needed to get his COVID vaccine. The quality of healthcare services there was distressingly poor. I remember being particularly saddened by the lack of organization and resources that the hospital had. This level of neglect underscores the urgent need for improvements in Pakistan’s healthcare system. Many hospitals in Pakistan suffer from a lack of basic sanitation, inadequate medical supplies, and outdated equipment. The healthcare system is further strained by a shortage of trained medical professionals and insufficient funding. These issues not only affect patient care but also contribute to the overall poor health outcomes in the country. Addressing these problems is crucial for providing adequate healthcare to the Pakistani population. As a result of this experience, I decided to enroll as a volunteer with a hospital that my family friend is involved with - Indus Hospital - where I plan to volunteer remotely over the coming months. 

During my stay, I also learned about the recent controversy surrounding the Barbie movie, which had been banned in Pakistan until just two weeks before my arrival. The ban was imposed because the movie was seen as promoting women's rights, which sparked significant debate. Thankfully, it was unbanned, allowing the public to engage with its themes of gender equality and empowerment. The unban signified that while Pakistan still has many ways to go in terms of gender equality, they have made significant progress.

These three experiences—education, healthcare, and societal norms—are deeply interconnected. The lack of quality education limits economic opportunities and perpetuates poverty, which in turn affects the quality of healthcare. Societal norms, particularly those related to gender, further complicate these issues. However, there is hope. The increasing enrollment of women in higher education and the lifting of the ban on the Barbie movie are signs of positive change. By addressing educational and healthcare challenges and promoting gender equality, Pakistan can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

The mission of the Milken Institute to “discover and advance inventive, effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives” resonates deeply with the challenges and opportunities I observed in Pakistan. Improving educational access aligns with the Institute's goal of fostering economic empowerment and self-sufficiency, as education is a critical driver of economic growth and social mobility. Similarly, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and access supports the Institute's commitment to public health and well-being. By investing in education and healthcare of its people, Pakistan can empower its citizens to lead more productive and fulfilling lives, thus echoing the very essence of the Milken Institute's mission. These initiatives can catalyze a cycle of improvement where educated and healthy individuals contribute more effectively to society, driving so many further advancements in all of these critical sectors.