Pakistani singer and education activist Shehzad Roy released a new song urging parents to ease pressures on children. The track, “Late Ho Gaye,” debuted on World Education Day, highlighting how early school admissions and tuition burden young students. Roy’s message calls for an education system that nurtures children rather than overwhelms them.
The music video starts with Roy asking parents if they had enrolled their unborn child in school yet. The tongue-in-cheek query criticizes elite schools forcing parents to bring toddlers for interviews. Students from Roy’s Zindagi Trust schools appear, speaking about pressures from teachers, parents, and language expectations at home. The video emphasizes the stress of juggling multiple languages, heavy backpacks, and tuition classes after school hours.
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Roy also addresses the impact of digital distractions and lack of parental attention. Children are shown pleading for time to breathe, play, and eat before tackling more schoolwork. The singer ends the video with a call to educate children well, rather than simply burden them with lessons, homework, and social competition.
The video has struck a chord with celebrities and parents alike. Maryam Nafees, Rushna Khan, Saboor Ali, and Sarwat Gilani shared the message on social media, praising Roy for highlighting pressures from school admissions and unrealistic expectations. Many noted that childhood should not be a race and stressed the need for reform in Pakistan’s education system.
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Roy’s work with Zindagi Trust reflects his commitment to holistic education. His schools include music and chess lessons alongside academics, giving children opportunities to explore creativity and critical thinking. With “Late Ho Gaye,” Roy hopes to inspire parents and policymakers to rethink how society approaches childhood learning.