Challenges Facing School Education in Pakistan

Introduction

Pakistan’s school education system is at a critical juncture, grappling with systemic challenges that undermine its potential to drive social and economic progress. Despite constitutional guarantees like Article 25-A, which mandates free education for children aged 5–16, over 22.8 million children remain out of school. Gender disparities, outdated curricula, and chronic underfunding perpetuate cycles of inequality. This article examines three core challenges and underscores the urgent need for reforms to transform Pakistan’s educational landscape.

Access and Enrollment: A Crisis of Equity

Pakistan’s education system faces a profound equity crisis, with 22.8 million children aged 5–16 out of school, the second-highest number globally . This crisis is marked by stark disparities in access, particularly for girls, rural populations, and low-income families.Gender inequality remains pervasive nationwide, with girls constituting 53% of the out-of-school population, as patriarchal attitudes and early marriages prioritize boys’ education . Rural areas bear the brunt of these inequities, accounting for 74% of out-of-school children, where inadequate infrastructure—such as schools lacking boundary walls, clean water, and electricity—forces students to travel long distances, disproportionately affecting girls’ enrollment.

The rural-urban divide further exacerbates access challenges. Urban literacy rates (74%) far exceed rural rates (53%), reflecting systemic neglect of rural infrastructure and resources . Even in cities like Karachi, 1.8 million children remain out of school, highlighting the scale of the issue in urban centers . Poverty intensifies exclusion: girls from low-income households are 52% less likely to attend school than wealthier peers, while economic pressures push children into labor instead of classrooms . Cultural norms, such as prioritizing domestic roles for girls and safety concerns, compound these barriers, particularly in conservative regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa .

Despite constitutional guarantees like Article 25-A, which mandates free and compulsory education, systemic underfunding (only 2.5% of GDP allocated to education) and political instability hinder progress . Corruption and mismanagement divert resources, with “ghost schools” and nepotistic teacher appointments further undermining access . Natural disasters, such as the 2022 floods that damaged 24,000 schools, have worsened the crisis, displacing millions of students and deepening inequities.

Quality of Education: Outdated Systems and Poor Outcomes

Even enrolled students face subpar learning environments. Rote memorization dominates classrooms, stifling critical thinking. Textbooks in subjects like Social Studies and Islamiat have been criticized for promoting intolerance, with examples of content glorifying violence against minorities.

Infrastructure deficits worsen the crisis:

40% of schools lack electricity.
30% operate without clean water.
25% have no boundary walls, compromising safety.

Teacher quality is another hurdle. In Balochistan, 23.7% of teaching positions are vacant, while 41% of teachers lack bachelor’s degrees. Absenteeism rates exceed 14%, and many educators are diverted to non-teaching duties like polio campaigns.

Funding and Governance: A Cycle of Neglect

Education receives a meager 1.77–2.5% of GDP, far below UNESCO’s recommended 4–6%. Over 89% of allocated funds cover salaries, leaving little for infrastructure or training. Corruption exacerbates the problem: “ghost schools” (non-functional institutions) siphon resources, and nepotism plagues teacher appointments.

Political instability disrupts reform continuity. Initiatives like the Single National Curriculum (SNC) aim to standardize education but face resistance from madrassas and private institutions. Provincial disparities in implementation further fragment progress.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s education system is mired in inequity, inefficiency, and ideological rigidity. While reforms like the SNC and digital platforms offer glimmers of hope, systemic change demands sustained funding, curriculum modernization, and inclusive policies. Prioritizing teacher training, expanding public-private partnerships, and addressing cultural barriers to girls’ education are critical steps. Without urgent action, Pakistan risks perpetuating cycles of poverty and social fragmentation.

FAQs

1. Why are so many children out of school in Pakistan?
Poverty, cultural norms (especially limiting girls’ education), and inadequate infrastructure—such as long distances to schools—are primary factors. Over 22.8 million children aged 5–16 lack access to education.

2. How does the curriculum contribute to societal issues?
Outdated textbooks often promote intolerance and rote learning over critical thinking. For instance, some Social Studies lessons glorify historical conflicts, fostering divisive narratives.

3. What role can technology play in improving education?
Digital platforms like TeleSchool and Digital Pakistan can bridge access gaps, but limited internet penetration (44%) and device shortages hinder scalability. Investments in rural connectivity are essential.