New Report Highlights Deepening Education Emergency

Pakistan is grappling with a worsening education crisis, as revealed in the newly released “Pakistan’s Non-Formal Education Report 2023–24.” The report states that over 25.37 million children aged 5 to 16 remain out of school—a figure that underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in the country’s education sector.

This concerning statistic was shared during a high-profile event hosted by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). The report was developed collaboratively by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Impact of COVID-19 and Natural Disasters

The education sector in Pakistan has been significantly destabilized by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating floods in recent years. These disruptions have not only damaged school infrastructure but have also contributed to increased dropout rates, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Rise of Non-Formal Education Centers

To bridge the growing education gap, the report stresses the rising importance of Non-Formal Education (NFE). Currently, 35,427 NFE centers are operational across Pakistan, serving 1.29 million students—a 20% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year.

The report highlights the effectiveness of Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs), especially “middle-tech” models that integrate academic and vocational training. These programs boast a 70% retention rate, suggesting they may be key to re-engaging out-of-school children.

Government’s Renewed Commitment

Federal Minister for Education Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who attended the launch as the chief guest, announced the government’s upcoming Federal Non-Formal Education Policy 2025. This ambitious initiative aims to achieve “Zero Out-of-School Children” status and will be accompanied by the National Action Plan for NFE 2025.

Dr. Siddiqui stressed the importance of education as the cornerstone of national development.

“We must prioritize education—especially for girls. When we empower women, we empower the entire nation.”

Additional reforms include expanding ALPs, developing a teacher assessment system, and launching new youth and adult literacy initiatives.

Reducing Regional Disparities and Improving Data Systems

The report calls for strategic investments to reduce regional disparities in education access, especially in provinces such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where enrollment rates are notably lower. It also emphasizes the need to enhance data systems for more targeted and effective policy-making.

Collaborative Efforts and Recognition

The event brought together key stakeholders, including:

• Secretary Education Nadeem Mehbub

• AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood

• PIE Director General Dr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya

Dr. Siddiqui commended the collaborative efforts of PIE and JICA, calling the report “a vital roadmap for steering the future of education in Pakistan.”

FAQs

Q: How many children are currently out of school in Pakistan?
A: Over 25.37 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school, according to the 2023–24 report.

Q: What are Non-Formal Education (NFE) centers?
A: NFE centers provide flexible learning programs outside the traditional school system, especially for marginalized and out-of-school children.

Q: What is the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)?
A: ALPs are educational models that combine academic and vocational training, helping students catch up on missed schooling.

Q: What are the goals of the upcoming Federal NFE Policy 2025?
A: The policy aims for “Zero Out-of-School Children” by improving access, retention, and literacy through expanded non-formal education.

Q: Who prepared the Non-Formal Education Report 2023–24?
A: It was developed by PIE in partnership with MoFEPT and JICA.

Q: Why is girl’s education a priority?
A: Empowering girls through education leads to broader societal benefits, including poverty reduction, health improvement, and national development.

Q: What are the main challenges facing education in Pakistan?
A: Key challenges include natural disasters, economic barriers, lack of infrastructure, and regional inequalities in access and quality of education.