The number of children enrolled in educational institutions across Pakistan increased by 12.28 million between 2017 and 2022, according to a new report released by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE).
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The report showed that total enrollment rose from 28.69 million in 2017 to 40.97 million in 2022, indicating an overall improvement in access to education despite challenges, including disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the report, the proportion of out-of-school children declined from 44 per cent to 39 per cent during the period under review.
The continuing education rate also improved, reaching 77 per cent, suggesting that a larger number of children were continuing their education rather than leaving the education system.
The report also highlighted improvements in basic facilities available at educational institutions, including access to clean drinking water, toilets, boundary walls and electricity.
Pakistan currently has 313,418 educational institutions, covering a wide range of public and private institutions.
These include formal schools, religious madrasahs, non-formal basic education centres, education foundations, technical and vocational institutes, degree colleges, universities and teacher-training institutions.
According to the report, 73 per cent of the institutions are formal schools, ranging from primary to higher secondary level.
The report also examined student enrollment and progression at the provincial level, including new entrants in populated areas and the number of students reaching the final grades of primary and middle education.
It noted that Pakistan is working towards international standards for classroom sizes, with a target of 30 students per class.
Some progress has already been recorded, with the average number of children in a class declining from 39 to 37 during 2021-22.
The report said continued efforts to improve educational infrastructure, access and learning facilities would remain important for strengthening Pakistan’s education sector.
The latest figures indicate progress in enrollment and access, while also highlighting the need for further measures to ensure that more children remain in school and receive quality education.
