Pakistan is facing a deepening education crisis, with more than 26 million children currently out of school, according to the Girls Education Statistics and Trends Report 2023–24 (GESTR). The report was formally released in Islamabad by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
The findings reveal that an estimated 25.37 million children between the ages of five and sixteen are not attending school. Of these, 13.41 million are girls while 11.96 million are boys. The overall nationwide figure stands at approximately 26.2 million out-of-school children, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge.
Provincial data shows that Punjab accounts for the highest number, with 9.6 million children out of school. Sindh follows with 7.82 million, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 4.92 million and Balochistan reports 2.94 million. In Islamabad, around 90,000 children are currently out of the education system.
The report highlights a sharp decline in enrollment as students progress through different educational levels. Although 20.815 million children are enrolled at the primary stage, the number drops dramatically to 2.825 million at the intermediate level. Only 718,000 students advance to university degree programs, reflecting significant attrition across the system.
In terms of infrastructure, the report notes improvements in certain areas. Approximately 96 percent of schools now operate in permanent buildings, and 82 percent provide access to drinking water. However, gaps remain in modernization and inclusivity. Only 19 percent of schools are equipped with digital devices, while just 23 percent offer accessibility ramps for students with disabilities.
The report also draws attention to declining financial commitment to education. The sector’s share in the national budget has decreased from 13 percent to 11 percent. Of this allocation, 94 percent is spent on salaries, leaving limited resources for development projects, expansion, and quality improvements.
Officials warn that without urgent reforms, increased funding, and targeted interventions, the country risks long-term social and economic consequences due to the growing number of children excluded from formal education.