A recent report by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) reveals that more than 25 million children across Pakistan are currently out of school, with 20 million never having attended classes. Alarmingly, 1,084 transgender children are also among those not enrolled, highlighting systemic educational exclusion.
Provincial figures paint a troubling picture. Punjab reports 9.6 million out-of-school children, almost equally divided between boys and girls. Sindh has 7.8 million children missing education, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa records 4.9 million and Balochistan 2.9 million, showing disparities across the country.
Even the federal capital faces challenges, with 89,000 children aged 6 to 16 not attending school. Experts warn that the total number of out-of-school children is rising by 20,000 annually, signaling an urgent need for interventions and policy reforms.
Read more : Pakistan Edible Oil Imports Surge in 2025
The PIE report emphasizes persistent issues in Pakistan’s education sector, including limited access, gender inequality, and poor quality of education. Without immediate action, millions of children risk being left behind, compromising their future opportunities.
Educational experts call for coordinated efforts between the government, civil society, and institutions to improve enrollment rates, enhance school infrastructure, and ensure quality education reaches all children nationwide.
Read more : PTI Protests Pakistan Over 27th Amendment
Addressing this crisis requires long-term planning, inclusive policies, and dedicated resources to guarantee every child’s right to education, particularly those from marginalized groups, including girls and transgender children.