Education in Pakistan

The article 25-A of Constitution obligates the state to “provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years” or from class 1 to class 10 (both girls and boys).

The educational development in Indo-Pakistan sub-continent during the British rule was limited to present day India, and the areas (now Pakistan) were relatively backward in education with literacy rate of only 15%. And the condition of countryside and women was even worse. At independence Pakistan had only one established university, the University of Punjab in Lahore, and few schools and colleges.

Different governments tried hard to improve the situation, but unfortunately education plans could not completely imposed/successful. However, now, Pakistan is successful in establishing some internationally reputed educational institutes and universities. And there is a growing general awareness in Pakistani society of the importance of education to the society.

Literacy Rate
According to government documents, Pakistan’s current literacy rate (10 years & above) is 60%. The detailed literacy rate is given in the following table.

AreaMaleFemale Total
Pakistan714960
Punjab735764
Sindh684457
KPK (Including Merged Areas) 753655
KPK (Excluding Merged Areas) 764057
Balochistan542440

The Higher Education in Pakistan is overseen and regulated by Higher Education Commission (HEC). Its head office is located in Islamabad and the current chairman of HEC is Dr. Tariq Banuri. Federal budget for education is about 2.3% of the total GDP. Besides, all provinces spend sizable amount on education.

Education: Key Statistics
Literacy Rate: 60%
Federal Education Budget: 2.3% of the GDP
Number of Universities: 211

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Sustainable Development Goals