Pakistan continues to struggle with low literacy compared to other South Asian countries. A new review by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) highlights slow progress in education. The report is based on data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank.
According to the findings, Pakistan’s overall literacy rate stands at 63 percent. This is the lowest rate in the South Asian region. The report shows that improvement has been limited over recent years. Since 2018–19, the literacy rate has increased by only three percent.
In comparison, other countries in South Asia perform much better. Maldives leads the region with a literacy rate of 98 percent. Sri Lanka follows with 93 percent. India stands at 87 percent, while Bangladesh has reached 79 percent. The regional average is 78 percent, which is far above Pakistan’s current level.
The FAFEN report also highlights a serious gender gap in literacy. Around 73 percent of men in Pakistan can read and write. However, only 54 percent of women are literate. This difference shows that women face more barriers to education.
Provincial data also reveals uneven progress. Punjab has the highest literacy rate at 68 percent. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall near the national average. Balochistan ranks the lowest with only 49 percent literacy. This shows large differences in access to education across the country.
Youth literacy in Pakistan stands at 77 percent. This is higher than the adult literacy rate, which remains at 60 percent. Experts say this indicates some improvement among younger generations. However, progress is still slow and uneven.
FAFEN reminded that education is a constitutional right. Under Article 25-A, the state must provide free and compulsory education. Pakistan is also committed to global education goals under the Sustainable Development Goals.
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The report stresses the need for better policies and funding. Without stronger action, Pakistan may continue to fall behind in human development. Analysts say improving literacy is essential for economic growth and social stability.
