Alarming 22 Million Children Out of School in Pakistan: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep concern over the state of education in Pakistan, revealing that more than 22 million children remain out of school across the country. Describing the situation as “alarming” and “unacceptable,” the Prime Minister emphasized that no nation can progress when such a large portion of its young population is deprived of education. He stressed that access to schooling is not only a constitutional right but also the foundation for Pakistan’s future stability and prosperity.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the majority of out-of-school children come from rural and underprivileged areas, where poverty, lack of infrastructure, and social barriers prevent families from sending their children to classrooms. Girls in particular face severe challenges, as cultural constraints and safety concerns often discourage parents from allowing them to pursue education. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that bridging this gap requires urgent reforms, significant investment, and stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments.
Education experts argue that Pakistan spends a far smaller percentage of its GDP on education compared to international standards, which has contributed to the crisis. Shortages of trained teachers, poor quality of facilities, and weak governance further compound the issue. Many children who are enrolled also drop out early due to economic pressures, as families depend on their labor for survival. This perpetuates a cycle of illiteracy and poverty that weakens the country’s development.
Shehbaz Sharif called on all stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society, and international partners, to work together in addressing the crisis. He assured that his government is committed to increasing budget allocations for education and to initiating programs that will provide financial support for underprivileged families, particularly to encourage the enrollment of girls. He noted that only by educating its children can Pakistan build a strong, progressive, and self-reliant society.
The Prime Minister’s statement has sparked nationwide debate, with activists and educators welcoming his acknowledgement of the crisis but urging immediate action rather than promises. They warn that if serious measures are not taken now, the future of millions of children—and by extension, the future of Pakistan—will remain at risk.
—
خلاصہ (اردو میں)
وزیرِاعظم شہباز شریف نے کہا ہے کہ پاکستان میں 2 کروڑ 20 لاکھ بچے اسکول سے باہر ہیں جو ایک تشویشناک صورتحال ہے۔ انہوں نے زور دیا کہ غربت، کمزور تعلیمی ڈھانچے اور سماجی رکاوٹیں اس مسئلے کی بڑی وجوہات ہیں۔ وزیرِاعظم نے وعدہ کیا کہ حکومت تعلیم پر بجٹ بڑھائے گی اور بچوں کو اسکولوں میں داخل کرانے کے لیے اقدامات کرے گی تاکہ ملک کا مستقبل محفوظ بنایا جا سکے۔
