ANI
11 Jul 2025, 13:04 GMT+10
Islamabad [Pakistan], July 11 (ANI): Pakistan is grappling with an alarming education crisis, with over 25.37 million children aged 5-16 out of school, according to Dawn News. In a country where access to quality education remains a persistent challenge, non-formal education (NFE) has emerged as a critical lifeline for millions.
As reported by Dawn, the latest data comes from the 'Pakistan's Non-Formal Education Report 2023-24,' launched at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). The report was developed by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who attended the launch, underscored the urgency of the issue. He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, such as floods, had significantly worsened the situation. He described the report as a vital tool for developing targeted policies and praised it for shedding light on a neglected segment of the education sector.
According to Dawn News, the report recommends the expansion of Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs), especially ALP (Middle-Tech) models, which boast 70% retention rates and offer both academic and vocational training. It also stresses the need to address regional disparities, improve adult literacy, and strengthen data collection and utilisation.
Dawn noted that Pakistan currently operates 35,427 NFE centres, serving over 1.29 million learners, marking a 20% increase in enrolment from the previous year.
Siddiqui announced that the Federal Non-Formal Education Policy 2025 and the National Action Plan for NFE 2025 are both in development. He emphasised the need for data-driven policy, noting that a functioning Education Management Information System (EMIS) is key to improving governance and access.
He also shared plans to introduce a standardised assessment system for NFE teachers and implement a comprehensive management framework to bring out-of-school children back into classrooms.
Siddiqui called on all stakeholders to utilise the data presented in the report to improve educational planning and outreach.
However, despite repeated promises and the involvement of international partners like Japan, Pakistan continues to demonstrate a chronic inability to prioritise education as a national imperative. While officials deliver polished speeches and announce future policies, millions of children remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and illiteracy, abandoned by a system riddled with neglect, mismanagement, and political apathy.
Public education in Pakistan continues to be poorly funded, inadequately regulated, and mostly out of reach, particularly for girls and children from marginalised communities.
This deepening crisis proves that Pakistan's failure to educate its children is not just a policy gap; it is a national betrayal sustained by decades of state neglect. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Wisconsin Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Wisconsin Star.
More InformationLONDON, U.K.: At least 13 people are believed to have taken their own lives as a result of the U.K.'s Post Office scandal, in which...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Travelers at U.S. airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, Department of Homeland...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: An elaborate impersonation scheme involving artificial intelligence targeted senior U.S. and foreign officials in...
SLUBICE, Poland: Poland reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania on July 7, following Germany's earlier reintroduction...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: After months of warnings from former federal officials and weather experts, the deadly flash floods that struck the...
MOSCOW, Russia: Just hours after his sudden dismissal by President Vladimir Putin, Russia's former transport minister, Roman Starovoit,...
(Photo credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images) Tarik Skubal had his final start before the All-Star break moved up. The Seattle Mariners...
(Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images) Pete Crow-Armstrong enters his first trip to Yankee Stadium as a member of the 25-25 club...
(Photo credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images) Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado each homered as the San Diego Padres beat the visiting...
(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) Marcus Semien went 4-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored and Adolis Garcia homered...
(Photo credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images) Tyler Soderstrom hit a three-run homer early and concluded the contest with a walk-off...
(Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images) Kyle Manzardo was slated to bat cleanup and play first base for the Cleveland Guardians...