Education crisis in Pakistan leaves 26 million children out of school
Main drivers behind the problem are poverty, inadequate infrastructure and extreme weather due to climate change.
Pakistan is facing a severe education crisis with more than 26 million children out of school, one of the highest rates in the world. Photo: AFPPakistan is facing an education crisis. More than 26 million children are out of school. According to government figures, most of these children live in rural areas.
Poverty is the biggest factor keeping children out of classrooms. The problem is worsened by weak infrastructure and underqualified teachers.
Cultural barriers and the impacts of extreme weather caused by climate change also contribute, as well as safety fears.
School closures are often announced due to heavy smog, heatwaves and floods. Government schools are rarely equipped with heating or fans.
According to census data, the percentage of out-of-school children aged between five and 16 dropped from 44 per cent in 2016 to 36 per cent in 2023. However, the absolute number rises each year as the population grows.