The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has reported that Pakistan’s literacy rate remains the lowest in South Asia. Citing figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank, the report shows that just 63 percent of Pakistanis are able to read and write.
Pakistan has seen just a three percent rise in literacy since 2018–19, reflecting sluggish progress in the education sector. This minimal growth comes despite the country’s constitutional commitments and international obligations to provide education for all.
Maldives tops the region at 98 percent literacy, with Sri Lanka at 93 percent, India at 87 percent, and Bangladesh at 79 percent, while the regional average of 78 percent is far higher than Pakistan’s 63 percent.
Gender and Provincial Disparities
FAFEN’s report highlights sharp gender inequalities in education. Male literacy stands at 73 percent, while female literacy remains at 54 percent. Experts say these figures indicate that many girls and women still face barriers to education.
Provincial differences also remain striking. Punjab has the highest literacy rate at 68 percent. In contrast, Balochistan lags far behind at 49 percent. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa record literacy rates in the mid-60s, showing moderate regional variation.
The report also examines age-related literacy trends. Youth literacy reaches 77 percent, offering hope for future improvements. However, adult literacy remains at 60 percent, reflecting long-term gaps in access to education. Analysts say adult education programs need urgent attention to close this divide.
Urgent Call for Reforms
FAFEN emphasized that under Article 25-A of the Constitution, the state must provide free and compulsory education to children. The report also noted that Pakistan committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure quality education. Yet, current indicators show the country is falling short of both national and global targets.
FAFEN called on policymakers to act without delay. The organization recommended urgent education reforms, efforts to reduce gender and regional disparities, and improvements in school infrastructure. FAFEN emphasized that faster literacy growth is crucial for the country’s overall progress.
Moreover, the report highlighted that investing in teacher training and education resources is critical. Experts warn that without these reforms, Pakistan could widen the gap with neighboring countries in literacy and human capital.
