ISLAMABAD – A recent analysis by Gallup Pakistan reveals that almost 28% of children in Pakistan aged 5 to 16 are not attending school. The findings show that girls are disproportionately affected compared to boys.
Data from the 2024-25 Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM) and the Household Integrated Economic Survey show that 34% of girls are out of school, compared to 22% of boys. This highlights persistent gender disparities in access to education across Pakistan.
The study, based on data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, was examined through Gallup Pakistan’s Digital Analytics Dashboard. It provides a detailed picture of the country’s education landscape and ongoing inequalities.
Geographical differences are also significant. In rural areas, 34% of children are out of school, nearly double the 18% recorded in urban centres. Rural girls remain the most affected group, showing the combined impact of gender and location-based disadvantages.
Despite these challenges, access to education has improved over time. Nationally, 67% of individuals aged 10 and above have attended school at some point. However, attendance rates remain unequal: 78% for men versus 56% for women, and 81% in urban areas compared to 61% in rural areas.
Literacy rates reflect similar disparities. The national literacy rate is 63%, rising to 73% for men and dropping to 52% for women. Urban literacy stands at 77%, while rural areas record 56%. Provincial variations are notable, with Punjab at 66% literacy and Balochistan at just 43%.
The analysis also highlights student retention challenges. Primary school enrolment (ages 6–10) is 68%, but drops to 40% at middle school (ages 11–13) and falls further to 30% at the matric level (ages 14–15). This shows many students leave school before completing higher grades.
Education experts emphasize that while access has expanded, structural barriers continue to limit participation. Girls and children in rural or under-served areas remain the most disadvantaged in Pakistan’s education system.
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Addressing these inequalities is critical for the country’s future, experts say, to ensure all children can complete school and access meaningful opportunities.
