Education Crisis: With a population of over 240 million, there exists an educational crisis that concerns Pakistan’s future. Other issues, such as political instability, economic challenges, or climate change, often make headlines. However, the situation in education in Pakistan is a quieter yet equally serious emergency, one that continues to erode the opportunities of generation after generation, hindering national progress.
A Country of Children, Yet No Classroom for Many
Education must become one of the top priorities of the government, given that nearly 44 per cent of the Pakistani population falls under the age of 18. However, it can be said that Pakistan is one of the countries with the most significant number of out-of-school children. By 2025, it is estimated that there will be more than 23 million children who are not in school, representing nearly one in three children. Most of them are girls, especially in rural areas, where they characterise their lifestyle as traditional values, poverty, and lack of infrastructure that prevents them from going to school.
Even for the enrolled pupils, the standard of education is still quite poor. Many schools lack qualified teachers, learning materials, toilets and even buildings. The 2023 assessment by ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) reveals that more than 60% of students in grade five could not read a grade two-level story in Urdu or perform basic math. Learn about deep learning access issues, as well as those related to a deep learning crisis.
Why the System Fails
Several interlinked factors contribute to the decline in Pakistan’s education system:
1. Low Government Spending
Pakistan spends around 1.7% of its GDP on education, which is one of the lowest in the region. The minimum benchmark recommended by UNESCO is 4%; thus, Pakistan remains far behind. Schools in rural and impoverished areas are often under-equipped, have underpaid teachers, and lack effective oversight.
2. Political Neglect and Corruption
A new set of education policies is introduced with each new government, whereas long-term reforms rarely come to fruition. Money for building or improving a school is often diverted or pocketed. Political meddling in teacher recruitment and postings has led to extreme inefficiency and a lack of accountability.
3. Gender Disparity
Access to basic education remains a significant challenge for girls. The literacy rate of girls in certain districts remains less than 10%. Education of sons is given preference by parents, while girls are often left to assist with household chores or get married at an early age. The fear of persecution, as well as the absence of female teachers, also makes families fail to send their daughters to school.
4. Urban-Rural Divide
The level of educational facilities available in the cities and rural Pakistan is very contrasting. In rural communities, children endure long treks to access institutions with no facilities (toilets) and electricity. Teachers are also often absent, and many of them are underqualified.
The Shadow of the Private and Madrassa Education
Due to government failure, a gap has been filled through the help of private schools and religious madrassas. This, however, has resulted in a two-tier system, wherein only the rich can afford good-quality education in private schools; the poor are left with low-performing schools or unregulated religious schools.
This division erodes equity, and it hinders social mobility. Besides, some madrassas have not been moderated by a curriculum, and their students are in danger of having extremism and a narrow view of the world forced on them, with no other possible options for education.
Effects of a broken system
A lack of education restricts the capacity of people in Pakistan to improve in economic and social virtues. Already, a youth bulge exists, with a high percentage of young people entering the workforce lacking the necessary skills or education. The result of this is:
● High rate of unemployment
● Emergence of more poverty, criminality, and radicalisation
● A reduced number of women in the labour market
The ultimate effect is the underdevelopment of democracy, where citizens who are unable to think critically or read and write can be easily manipulated and are unable to participate in civic life.
The New Agenda
The education crisis in Pakistan is preventable -it will require political will, good governance and regular intervention: Increase investments in education to at least 4 per cent of GDP
● Introduce new nationwide programs on teacher training and rural posting incentives
● Come up with a national standard curriculum which should emphasise reason, creativity, and ethics
● Provide scholarships, transportation and school safety to girls
● Introduce independent authorities for school performance and the usage of funds
● Upgrade madrassas and incorporate them in the mainstream scheme of education; make them well-regulated
Conclusion
While the world races toward innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital revolutions, Pakistan risks being left behind if it cannot educate its youth. A nation where nearly half the children remain out of school is not just suffering an education crisis — it is facing an existential threat to its progress and stability. Fixing this system is not a choice — it is a necessity.
This is not just a call for government intervention, but a call for national awakening. Civil society, private organisations, religious leaders, teachers, parents — all have a role to play in rebuilding the foundation of learning. Until education becomes a shared mission, Pakistan will continue to struggle not only with poverty and instability but with the deep cracks forming in its very identity.