Education Gains Momentum: Pakistan Lowers Out-of-School Rate to 28%

Pakistan has recorded a notable improvement in educational participation, with the proportion of children not attending school dropping to 28% in 2025, according to the latest economic assessment released by the government. The figures indicate steady progress in bringing more children into classrooms over the past two years, reflecting the impact of enrollment drives, awareness campaigns, and education-focused initiatives. While encouraging gains have been observed nationwide, the data also reveals that gender disparities continue to persist. Although school attendance among both boys and girls has improved, female students remain at a greater risk of missing out on formal education, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to remove barriers faced by girls. Provincial data shows positive movement across all regions, with some areas achieving particularly significant reductions in the number of children outside the education system. Analysts view these developments as a positive sign ahead of the upcoming fiscal year, where education spending and learning opportunities are expected to remain high on the policy agenda. However, experts caution that millions of children are still not enrolled in schools, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in educational infrastructure, teacher training, accessibility, and long-term reforms to ensure every child receives quality education.