Why Pakistan is Lagging Behind in Education Despite Laws Like Article 25-A

Education is often described as the backbone of a nation, a fundamental right that opens doors to opportunities and breaks the cycle of poverty. Yet, in Pakistan, millions of children are being left behind. Despite the existence of Article 25-A—a law that guarantees free and compulsory education for all children aged 5 to 16—Pakistan's education system continues to face critical challenges. So, why are we still struggling with something as essential as literacy?

This article looks at why Pakistan is falling short in the education sector and explores the gaps between policy and reality.

Article 25-A: A Law in Name Only?

When Article 25-A was introduced in Pakistan's Constitution, it was seen as a major step forward. The law obliges the government to provide free education to all children up to the age of 16. But for many, this law exists only on paper. In practice, millions of children remain out of school, and many more drop out before completing their education.

In urban areas, schools are overcrowded, and in rural areas, they're often non-existent. Those that do exist frequently lack basic necessities like clean drinking water, electricity, and even toilets. Without these essentials, children are unlikely to stay in school, making it harder for them to reap the benefits of education, even if it's their constitutional right.

The Funding Crisis:

One of the biggest reasons for the gap between the law and reality is the lack of funding. Pakistan spends only about 2.4% of its GDP on education—far below what is recommended by global standards, which sit between 4% and 6%. This chronic underfunding affects everything from school buildings to teacher salaries, textbooks, and other essential resources.

As a result, public schools are often in poor condition, leading many families to opt for private schools if they can afford it. This creates a divide, where children from wealthier families receive better education, while those from poorer backgrounds are stuck in underfunded schools that struggle to provide even basic education.

High Dropout Rates:

Even when children are enrolled in school, keeping them there is another challenge. Pakistan has one of the highest dropout rates in the world. Many children, especially those from lower-income families, are forced to leave school to help support their families. For girls, the situation is even worse. They often drop out due to cultural norms, early marriages, or because their families prioritize their brothers' education over their own.

This means that while 22.8 million children should be in school, many never get the chance to complete their education. The cycle of poverty continues, as these children grow up without the skills or qualifications needed to break free.

Gender Inequality: Leaving Girls Behind

In rural Pakistan, especially, the gap between boys' and girls' education is stark. Even when girls do have access to schools, cultural and societal norms often pressure them to stay home or marry young. The literacy rate among women, particularly in rural areas, remains alarmingly low, highlighting the deep-rooted gender disparity in the education system.

This issue isn’t just about missed schooling—it’s about missed potential. Educated women are more likely to contribute economically, advocate for their families’ health, and break the cycle of poverty. Yet, without significant change, girls across the country will continue to be left behind.

The Neglect of Public Schools:

While wealthier families can afford private education, the majority of Pakistan's population relies on public schools. Unfortunately, these schools often face systemic neglect. Without proper funding or government oversight, many public schools are in disrepair. Teachers are overworked and underpaid, leading to a lack of motivation and absenteeism.

Additionally, corruption and mismanagement plague the education sector. Resources are either wasted or misallocated, and any efforts to improve the quality of education are often derailed by bureaucratic inefficiency.

NGOs Stepping In:

Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working tirelessly to promote education in collaboration with the government. These NGOs are building schools in underprivileged areas, training teachers, and providing students with the resources they need to succeed. They focus on marginalized communities, making sure that no child is left behind—especially girls.

While this collaboration has started making an impact, there’s still a long way to go. The efforts, though commendable, need to be scaled up significantly to address the millions of children still out of school. The government must not only support these initiatives but also actively work to reform the public education system to ensure sustainable, long-term improvements.

A Path Forward:

While the challenges Pakistan faces in education are enormous, they are not insurmountable. In addition to NGO efforts, international donors are stepping in to help build schools in remote areas and offer educational opportunities for marginalized groups. Their work, along with an increasing awareness of the importance of education, is sparking hope for change.

But real, lasting progress will only come when the government steps up its commitment to education. This means increasing the education budget, enforcing compulsory schooling laws, and addressing the gender gap head-on. Without these actions, Pakistan’s education system will continue to struggle, leaving millions of children without the tools they need to build a better future.

Conclusion:

Pakistan’s education system is at a crossroads. Despite the existence of laws like Article 25-A, which should guarantee every child the right to an education, millions are still being left out. The root of the problem lies in chronic underfunding, gender inequality, high dropout rates, and a public school system that has been neglected for far too long.

NGOs working in collaboration with the government are making commendable strides in promoting education, but the journey is far from over. Real change will only come when education is prioritized not just in policy but also in practice. For the country to truly move forward, we must support these efforts and push for deeper reforms that address the root causes of our education crisis.

In the end, education isn’t just about schooling; it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving children the tools they need to lift themselves, and their families, out of poverty. It’s about building a nation that values every child’s potential. And that’s a future worth fighting for.