According to the Labour Force Survey FY2021, the literacy rate in FY2021 was recorded 62.8 per cent as against to 62.4 per cent in FY2019, higher in males than females. Area-wise analysis suggests literacy rose in both rural areas from 53.7 per cent in FY2019 to 54.0 per cent in FY2021, while in urban areas, it rose from 76.1 per cent in FY2019 to 77.3 per cent in FY2021.
The economists recorded that the male-female disparity seems to be narrowing down over time. The literacy rate has gone up in all provinces, with Punjab (increased 66.1 per cent to 66.3 per cent), Sindh (61.6 per cent to 61.8 per cent), KPK (52.4 per cent to 55.1 per cent), and Balochistan (53.9 per cent to 54.5 per cent). They also recorded that the pre-primary education is the essential component of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Prep classes are for children between 3 to 5 years of age.
At the national level, a nominal decline of 0.6 per cent in pre-primary enrolment (12.09 million) in FY2023 against (12.17 million) in FY2022 has been recorded, and around the same figure has been taken as estimated in FY2023. Statistics related to Primary Education (Classes I-V), in FY2022, 162.1 thousand functional primary schools in Pakistan with 463.2 thousand corresponding teachers were recorded. Primary enrolment declined by 2.1 per cent, as the total number of students enrolled declined to 23.8 million in FY2022 as against to 24.3 million in FY2021. However, it is estimated to rise by approximately 24.0 million in FY2023.
Moreover the middle education (classes VI-VIII), in FY2022, the total number of middle-level institutions reached at 47.8 thousand, with 434.3 thousand employed teachers in Pakistan. Middle school enrolment increased by 4.8 per cent. The total number of enrolled students reached 8.8 million in FY2022, as against to 8.4 million in FY2021, and it is projected to rise by 3.4 per cent in FY2023. They also showed the data associated to the secondary/high school education (Classes IX-X), in FY2022, 34.6 thousand secondary schools were functional, with 587.1 thousand teachers registered nationwide. Secondary school enrolment rose by 2.3 per cent nationally, to 4.5 million in FY2022 as compared 4.4 million in FY2021.
However, it is estimated to raise more by 2.2 per cent during FY2023. They also released the higher secondary/Inter Colleges (Classes XI-XII) related statistics that showed, during FY2022, there were 8.1 thousand higher secondary schools/inter colleges with 170.2 thousand teachers functional at the national level. The overall enrolment of students in higher secondary education witnessed a decline of 8.7 per cent in FY2022.
The enrollment recorded during FY2022 was 2.1 million as against to 2.3 million in FY2021. For FY2023, it is projected to reach 2.3 million. On the other hand it was also recorded that in the degree colleges (Classes XIII-XIV), an enrolment of 0.62 million students is expected during FY2023 in degree colleges, the same as in FY2022.
A total of 2487 degree colleges were found in FY2022, with estimated 2735 degree colleges for FY2023. The number of teachers in degree colleges was 57.7 thousand in FY2022 and is projected to be 62.3 thousand in FY2023.
According to the Government of Pakistan Pakistan’s literacy rates, enrollment figures, and various educational benchmarks are gradually improving. This positive trajectory is supported through the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality and scope of education through a series of reforms and policy interventions, along with resource allocation. Recognizing education as a fundamental catalyst for social cohesion, resilience, and the transition towards a knowledge-based economy, there is a paramount emphasis on inclusive, effective, and equitable education delivery nationwide.
The economists also released that there were 220 universities with 69.6 thousand teachers in both public and private sectors in FY2022. The overall enrolment of students in higher education institutions (universities) was registered at 2.23 million in FY2022, the corresponding period previous year. The enrolment is expected to rise from 2.23 million in FY2022to 2.41 million in FY2023. During FY2022, 4.2 thousand technical and vocational institutes with 18.3 thousand teachers were functional nationally. The enrolment was registered at 0.44 million in FY2022 as against to 0.43 million in FY2021. However, it is estimated to rise by 0.2 per cent in FY2023.
No doubt, education is undeniably crucial for shaping individuals and societies in contemporary times. It is the cornerstone for personal development, social advancement, and economic prosperity. Education goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition; it focuses on critical thinking abilities and practical skills that are essential for navigating life’s multifaceted challenges. Moreover, it promotes social cohesion, tolerance, and a sense of unity. Empowered by education, individuals are poised to make substantive contributions to their communities and the broader global milieu. Education is not solely about attaining credentials, but about empowering individuals and catalyzing positive societal transformation.