ISLAMABAD: It is shocking to note that millions of children in Pakistan are still out of school. A new policy report claims that more than 25 million children in Pakistan remain out of school despite the federal government’s declaration of a national education emergency more than two years ago. The report attributes the continuing crisis to chronic underfunding, weak governance, fragmented policymaking, and poor implementation.
The findings appear in a comparative policy review prepared by the Civil Services Academy. The report states that provinces have developed ambitious education roadmaps under the National Education Action Plan (NEAP) 2026. However, it says the biggest challenge is turning those plans into effective action.
According to the report, Pakistan has between 25.1 million and 26 million out-of-school children. Consequently, the country continues to face one of the world’s highest levels of educational deprivation despite Article 25-A of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education.
## Punjab records the highest number of out-of-school children
The report says Pakistan’s education crisis stems from decades of structural challenges. These include rapid population growth, poverty, weak governance, and consistently low investment in education. As a result, public education infrastructure has failed to meet growing demand, leading to the expansion of low-cost private schools.
Punjab carries the largest education burden, with an estimated 9.6 million to 10.4 million out-of-school children. According to the Punjab School Education Department’s 2026 baseline report, 6.4 million children have never enrolled in school, while another 3.16 million have dropped out.
## Provinces face different education challenges
The report highlights distinct challenges across the provinces. Sindh struggles with high dropout rates and climate-related disruptions. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces insecurity, difficult terrain, and a shortage of female teachers. Balochistan continues to deal with weak institutions, inactive schools, and scattered populations.
Although Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir report comparatively higher enrollment rates, inequalities persist. Therefore, the CSA concludes that Pakistan needs stronger implementation, improved governance, and sustained investment tailored to each province’s specific education challenges.
