Education Crisis in Pakistan: Rhetoric or Reform?

Numerous surveys by non-profit organizations and international bodies such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank, among others, underscore the significant challenges facing Pakistan’s education system. The latest 2023 Census data compiled by the Planning Commission consolidates findings from various sources across all provinces, establishing a comprehensive national overview. However, the survey’s sample size, covering only 134 districts, still seems insufficient to depict the full scale of the crisis.

Historical Education Emergencies and Limited Outcomes

Pakistan has declared education emergencies multiple times over the past 77 years. The first major focus on education was by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1947, emphasizing its importance at the national education conference. Decades later, the 2010 constitutional amendment introduced Article 25A, mandating free and compulsory education for children aged 5-16. In May 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated this by declaring an education emergency to address 26 million out-of-school children, and again emphasized the crisis in September on International Literacy Day. Yet, despite these measures, Pakistan still hosts one of the world’s largest cohorts of out-of-school children—25.61 million as per the 2023 census, with notable gender disparities.

Challenges in Policy Implementation

Despite past legislative efforts, such as Article 25A, enforcement remains inadequate. Campaigns aiming to increase enrollment, particularly among girls and marginalized groups, have had limited success. Reports indicate that 39% of girls aged 5-16 remain out of school compared to 32% of boys. The DEPIx report highlights that 15 years post-Article 25A, Pakistan still struggles to meet its educational targets. The education system suffers from outdated curricula, lack of trained teachers, inadequate facilities, and insufficient resources.

Sindh: A Case Study of Systemic Failures

Sindh’s educational landscape illustrates the broader systemic challenges. While Karachi Central scores relatively high in educational indices, districts like Sujawal lag significantly behind despite large-scale projects like the ADB-funded Sindh Secondary Education Improvement Project. An investigation into this project revealed underutilization of funds, with only 20% spent, mainly on consultant fees rather than tangible improvements. Challenges extend beyond funding. The Sindh government has failed to deliver furniture to schools for over a decade and continues to struggle with delayed curriculum printing. The province’s education budget allocation disproportionately favors teacher salaries over development initiatives, contributing to the underperformance. The Reforms Support Unit (RSU) and the discontinuation of the Sindh Education Management Information System (SEMIS) further illustrate governance failures.

The Path Forward: Structural Reforms and Accountability

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reform and genuine collaboration between federal and provincial entities. Linking National Finance Commission (NFC) funds to clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) could enforce accountability and promote responsible fund usage. Provinces meeting educational targets could receive additional incentives, encouraging progress and innovation. Regular monitoring, a unified education policy adaptable to regional needs, and a centralized database for tracking educational data can drive improvements. Establishing provincial committees to share best practices and solve common challenges is essential.

Call for Decisive Action

The recurring pattern of declarations without substantive follow-through must change. The Planning Commission’s comprehensive approach is commendable, but the focus should now shift to actionable solutions with defined goals and consistent monitoring. DEPIx should drive targeted, data-backed reforms, leveraging KPIs for transparent assessment. Education reform in Pakistan demands more than promises; it requires strategic, data-driven interventions that ensure quality education for every child. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and implement effective measures that secure the future of Pakistan’s youth.