ducation is a pillar of national progress, yet Pakistan allocates just 1.9 per cent of its GDP to this sector — far below the UNESCO benchmark of 4-6 per cent. This chronic under-investment denies millions of children, especially rural girls, the opportunity to shape their futures. With only 24 per cent of women in the workforce, our nation loses billions in potential productivity. A country that neglects the education of its children is hindering its own development.
We need urgent increases in both federal and provincial education budgets, with a clear focus on girls in under-served communities. This is more than an issue of fairness — it is an economic necessity. Malala Fund’s decade-long work in Pakistan has shown that girls’ education is the most effective remedy for poverty, inequality and instability.
With the 2025-2026 national budget in planning, governments must prioritise and invest in girls’ education, or risk long-term stagnation and greater social inequality.
The girls’ education crisis
Pakistan’s education system is crumbling from decades of neglect. Many schools lack infrastructure, trained teachers and learning materials — with the most severe impact in rural areas. Cultural barriers, poverty and safety concerns prevent many girls from accessing even basic education.
Take Amina, 14, from rural Balochistan: she dreams of becoming a doctor, but the lack of female teachers and the dangerous route to school obstruct her path. Fatima, 12, from rural Punjab, is stuck in domestic labour because her family can’t afford the bus fare to school. Without investment in local schools, transport and female educators, such stories will only grow — perpetuating inequality.
Girls from ethnic minorities, with disabilities or in isolated areas are particularly at risk. Pakistan’s constitution guarantees education, yet governments fail to protect adolescent girls specifically, leaving policy gaps unaddressed.
Despite commitments to education, Article 25-A of Pakistan’s constitution omits specific protections for adolescent girls, leaving a critical policy gap in addressing their unique vulnerabilities. Unless targeted reforms reduce these disparities, millions will remain excluded from education’s transformative power.
Despite commitments to education, Article 25-A of Pakistan’s constitution omits specific protections for adolescent girls, leaving a critical policy gap in addressing their unique vulnerabilities. Unless targeted reforms reduce these disparities, millions will remain excluded from education’s transformative power.
The economic cost of gender inequality
More than six million adolescent girls are out of school. In rural Sindh and Balochistan, early marriage, poor sanitation and financial hardship fuel high dropout rates. According to a 2023 UNICEF report, only seven girls are enrolled for every ten boys in rural schools.
The World Bank estimates that closing this gender gap could boost Pakistan’s GDP growth by 1.5 per cent annually. If half the population remains uneducated and excluded, economic progress will stall. Education is not just a social good — it is a vital economic driver and a buffer against instability.
Leadership and accountability
The federal government’s 2024 Education Emergency declaration and its commitment to raising education spending from 1.7 percent to 4 percent of GDP over five years, is a start. Promised initiatives include teacher recruitment, nutrition programmes, STEAM curricula and enrolment campaigns like mid-day meal schemes.
However, credible reports suggest slow implementation, with task forces delayed and momentum fading. To ensure desirable progress, the government must boost funding, build partnerships, upgrade school infrastructure and dismantle cultural barriers through awareness campaigns.
Following devolution, provinces are responsible for overseeing education policy and have the mandate to create localised solutions. Yet, most have failed to prioritise education. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s stipend programme for girls briefly improved enrolment, but inconsistent budgets undercut its impact. Provinces must now allocate protected, adequate funds for education — to build schools, recruit female teachers and incentivise attendance. Without this commitment, devolution is meaningless.
A call to action
This is the moment to act. The future of Pakistan’s economy and society hinges on educating its girls. Let’s unite government, civil society, and citizens to ensure every girl completes her education and shapes her own destiny.
When girls succeed, Pakistan will succeed.
Dr Nishat Riaz MBE, an educationist, is the chief executive for Pakistan at Malala Fund. She can be reached at @nishatriaz on X and Linkedin.
