Over 24 million children in Pakistan, 47% of all kids aged 5–16, are out of school, reflecting a deep and widespread education crisis. The problem affects every province: Balochistan has the highest rate at 70%, followed by Sindh at 56%, while even Punjab, the lowest, has 44% of its children out of school. From the merged districts (FATA) to Gilgit-Baltistan, the data shows that no region is spared.
The crisis also has a clear gender dimension. Girls make up 53% of out-of-school children, highlighting deep inequalities in access to education. With such alarming numbers across provinces and genders, Pakistan’s education emergency demands urgent focus, long-term reforms, and inclusive policies to ensure every child receives the schooling they deserve.
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Fizza Zafar is a recent graduate of Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. She has done her Bachelor's in English Linguistics and Literature. She is working as a teacher at The Play School in Islamabad. Her interest in graphic design began with her work with university societies as Graphics Head and Social Media Secretary.