Pakistan ranks lowest in South Asia on literacy; progress remains slow amid rising education costs
IANS
Pakistan has been ranked the lowest among South Asian countries in terms of literacy, with only 63 per cent of people aged 10 years and above able to read and write, according to a new review by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). While the country has made marginal gains over the past six years, analysts warn that the pace of improvement is far too slow for a nation of more than 240 million people, particularly as households struggle with rising living costs and declining access to affordable education.
Context: Findings from latest national survey
The review is based on official data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement–Household Integrated Economic Survey (PSLM–HEIS) 2024–2025 and compares Pakistan’s literacy outcomes with World Bank data for South Asia, local media reported.
According to the findings, Pakistan’s literacy rate has increased from 60 per cent in 2018–2019 to 63 per cent in 2024–2025—an improvement of just three percentage points in nearly six years. Observers have described this rate of progress as “alarmingly slow,” especially when viewed against regional peers that have recorded faster gains through sustained investments in education and social development.
FAFEN defines a literate person as an individual aged 10 years or above who can read and understand a simple statement and write a simple sentence.
Gender gap remains a major concern
The review highlights deep gender disparities in literacy outcomes. Male literacy in Pakistan stands at 73 per cent, compared to just 54 per cent among women. The gap underscores long-standing structural barriers faced by girls and women, including limited access to schooling in certain regions, early dropouts, and socio-economic constraints.
Education experts note that improving female literacy is critical not only for individual empowerment but also for broader economic and social development, including better health outcomes and workforce participation.
Provincial disparities paint uneven picture
The data also reveals stark provincial differences. Punjab reports the highest literacy rate at 68 per cent, followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, both at 58 per cent. Balochistan continues to lag significantly, recording the lowest literacy rate at just 49 per cent.
These regional gaps reflect unequal access to schools, teacher shortages, infrastructure challenges, and persistent poverty in certain provinces. Analysts argue that without targeted interventions, such disparities are likely to widen further.
Youth literacy higher, adult gaps persist
One positive indicator is youth literacy. Among people aged 15 to 24 years, the literacy rate stands at 77 per cent, suggesting better access to education for younger generations. However, adult literacy for those aged 15 years and above remains at 60 per cent, pointing to persistent gaps among older age groups who may have missed out on schooling earlier in life.
FAFEN noted that adult education and skills programmes remain limited, reducing opportunities for older populations to improve literacy and employability.
Rising living costs squeeze education spending
The literacy challenge is unfolding against a backdrop of growing economic stress for Pakistani households. In January, a poll released by Gallup Pakistan revealed that families are increasingly struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and education.
A 20-year comparison of household consumption patterns shows a structural shift in spending. Data from the Household Integrated Economic Survey indicates that the share of household budgets spent on food fell from 43 per cent in 2005 to 37 per cent in 2025. At the same time, expenditure on housing and utilities rose sharply—from 15 per cent to nearly 25 per cent.
According to an editorial in The News International, this shift does not indicate improved affordability of food. Instead, it reflects households cutting back on food consumption to cope with rising fixed costs such as rent, electricity and fuel.
Food insecurity adds pressure
The HIES 2024–25 survey further revealed that food insecurity has worsened. The proportion of people facing moderate-to-severe food insecurity increased from one in six in 2018–19 to one in four by 2024–25. Analysts warn that this trend has serious implications for learning outcomes, as malnutrition and hunger directly affect school attendance and cognitive development.
Households now bear bulk of education costs
Another major concern flagged in recent analyses is the shifting burden of education financing. According to the Institute of Social and Policy Science’s (I-SAPS) 15th annual report on Public Financing of Education, households are now bearing the majority of education costs for the first time in Pakistan’s history.
Of the total estimated education expenditure of PKR 5.03 trillion, households account for PKR 2.8 trillion, while the public sector contributes PKR 2.23 trillion. Household spending includes PKR 1.31 trillion on private school fees, PKR 613 billion on tuition and shadow education, and PKR 878 billion on other education-related expenses.
The trend reflects growing public preference for private schooling, driven by concerns over the quality, infrastructure and staffing of public education institutions.
Analysis: A structural challenge beyond literacy
Experts argue that Pakistan’s literacy challenge cannot be addressed in isolation. Slow improvements in literacy, rising poverty, food insecurity and increasing reliance on private education are all interconnected. Without stronger public investment, improved governance and targeted programmes for women, adults and underperforming regions, progress is likely to remain incremental.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s ranking as the lowest in South Asia on literacy highlights deep-rooted structural challenges in its education system. While modest gains have been recorded, the pace of improvement remains slow, and disparities by gender, region and income continue to widen. As household budgets come under increasing strain, the sustainability of education access—particularly for the poorest—remains a critical concern for the country’s future.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The latest literacy data offers a sobering snapshot of Pakistan’s education crisis. Incremental gains over six years are overshadowed by widening inequalities, rising household costs and declining food security. Literacy is not just a social indicator—it is a foundation for economic resilience and political stability. Without urgent, targeted reforms and greater public investment, Pakistan risks locking another generation into cycles of limited opportunity.