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A Society Losing Its Soul

It is imperative that educators be accorded elevated status and greater respect within society, enabling them to lead honorable lives and effectively mentor the younger generation towards the development of sound moral character and a deeper understanding.

By Muhammad Iqbal Awan | April, 2026


Morally, our society is in decline. Better to say, it has already declined considerably. If we observe common people, look at their behaviour in the streets and localities, focus on educational institutions, or visit welfare-state institutions, the deterioration of moral values becomes clearly evident. The question arises: why is this happening?

In this context, one is reminded of the 1990s, when school curricula included lessons on truthfulness, patience, tolerance, character building, the value of freedom, human respect, dignity, love, brotherhood, and human compassion. These topics served as a source of moral guidance for the younger generation. Teachers themselves were role models who embodied these values and served as beacons for their students. Likewise, elders in society emphasized lawful earnings, hard work, and integrity.

Although the curriculum has not changed significantly and these values remain in one form or another, the difference lies in their practical implementation. Teachers, religious scholars, writers, politicians, bureaucrats, and influencers are no longer embodying these ideals as they once did. In everyday life, even basic gestures of courtesy and respect are fading. The growing trend of impulsiveness, shortcuts, and favoritism has created unhealthy competition within society.

As a result, the importance of hard work and honesty has diminished, while corruption has taken deep root. These factors collectively contribute to the moral decline of our society. In the name of freedom, moderation has been pushed far from the social etiquette long valued in our society.

The misuse of social media is increasing day by day, and in the pursuit of entertainment, it has become common to humiliate others. Such behaviour is now being normalized, which is a deeply concerning trend. It is the need of the hour to change this tendency. Although our curriculum contains valuable moral lessons, the real need is to teach them effectively and in practical terms.

Teachers must be given a higher status and greater respect in society so that they can lead dignified lives and effectively guide the younger generation towards sound moral character and a better understanding. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to establish proper checks and balances on the use of social media. Any content—whether in the form of images, activities, or videos—that goes against the moral and social values of society should be discouraged, and strict action should be taken against it. Only then can we curb these negative trends and bring about positive change in society.

Teachers are often burdened with various non-teaching and extracurricular responsibilities, which significantly undermine the quality of education. Although other factors are also involved, this is one of the major reasons behind the deterioration of the education system and, consequently, the moral values of new generations.

As a result, the status and respect of teachers in society are gradually declining. These observations may sound bitter, but they reflect ground reality. Despite these challenges, teachers remain commendable. Even in such difficult circumstances, they strive to uphold the values of truthfulness, hard work, and strong moral character. It is these dedicated individuals who, despite numerous obstacles, continue to educate and train the younger generation with sincerity and commitment.

However, it is the government's responsibility to formulate effective policies that allow teachers to devote their maximum time to their core duty—teaching—rather than engaging them in additional non-academic tasks. Moreover, their financial benefits and allowances should be enhanced so that they can lead dignified lives without the need to seek supplementary sources of income.

Furthermore, the rule of law is a crucial element in the progress of any society. As long as the law remains a slave to powerful groups, true progress will remain unattainable, and society will continue to suffer from moral decline.