Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was poised to announce a declaration of “Education Emergency” in Pakistan on 30 April 2024, as reported in Dawn. Originally scheduled to preside over a conference on the day, the event was deferred due to ‘other commitments.’ This announcement, anticipated to span four years, aims to confront the deep-seated education crisis gripping the nation, as reported by ARY News. But somehow ‘other commitments’ seem more important.
Pakistan grapples with the ramifications of its education crisis, the impending declaration of an education emergency signals a repeated effort by the government to address this critical issue. An “education emergency” signifies a dire crisis within a country's educational system, marked by widespread challenges like high rates of out-of-school children, low literacy, and inadequate funding. It demands immediate, unified action from governments, stakeholders, and communities to address these issues and ensure equitable access to quality education for all .Pak’s Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has expressed alarm over the substantial number of out-of-school children during a recent high-level meeting. He outlined ambitious plans to confront this pressing issue and proposed the declaration of a national education emergency to the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet.
In its latest report for 2021-22, Pakistan Education Statistics revealed a staggering figure: 26.2 million out-of-school children across the country. This dire situation translates to 39% of all children in Pakistan being deprived of formal education. Moreover, the government's scant allocation of a mere 1.7% of the Gross Domestic Product to the education sector exacerbates the situation. Many schools, particularly those in peripheral areas, lack basic amenities such as potable water, toilets, and boundary walls, posing significant hurdles to quality education. Many years earlier, in April 2010, Article 25a was inserted in the Pakistan constitution by the Constitution (Eighteenth Amendment) Act, 2010, Sect. 9 which says “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law,” emphasising that education was no longer a privilege, but a fundamental right for all children.
However, 14 years later, they are still contemplating an Education Emergency. Despite previous commitments under the eighth UN Millennium Development Goals, including the aim to achieve universal primary education by 2015, the country finds itself lagging, with the lowest literacy rate in South Asia after Afghanistan. According to a 2011 report by the Pakistan Education Task Force, a staggering seven million children in Pakistan are deprived of primary school education, with three million unlikely to ever set foot inside a classroom. Shockingly, at the current pace of progress, it is projected that even Punjab, the most prosperous province, will only achieve the UN ‘Millennium Development Goals’ by 2041, with Sindh following suit in 2049, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2064, and Balochistan -not until the next century.
In stark contrast, the region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) presents a markedly different narrative. As per the 2011 Census, J&K boasts a commendable literacy rate of 78.26% for males and 58.01% for females. Although there exists a gender disparity in literacy rates, recent developments signal a positive shift. In the most recent class 12 board examinations conducted across both regions of the Union Territories, girls outperformed boys, marking a significant milestone. Out of a total of 1,27,636 students who appeared for the exams, 82,441 successfully passed, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 65%. Notably, a majority of the distinctions were earned by girls, with 10,606 girls excelling in the science stream compared to 8,400 boys, and 4,468 girls outshining 1,850 boys in the arts stream. The government's initiative to conduct unified academic sessions, bringing together students from both Union Territories, has been lauded as a contributing factor to this success.
Government spokespersons have underscored the remarkable achievement of girls, who attained a pass percentage of 68% compared to 61% for boys. Professor Parikshat Singh Manhas, the Chairperson of JKBOSE, expressed satisfaction with the examination process and commended the unified academic session for its positive impact on student performance. Pakistan and Indian Kashmir stand as poignant examples of divergent trajectories in education within the South Asian region. While Pakistan grapples with an education system teetering on the brink of crisis, Indian Kashmir showcases remarkable strides towards excellence.
Pakistan's education system finds itself in a perpetual state of emergency, grappling with multifaceted challenges that hinder its progress. Inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, poses a significant barrier to accessing quality education. According to UNESCO, Pakistan's net enrolment rate for primary education is very low with wide disparities between urban and rural areas. Moreover, the country struggles with a dearth of qualified teachers, with an estimated 21% of primary school teachers lacking minimum qualifications. Outdated curriculum and pedagogical methods further compound the crisis, hindering students' ability to acquire relevant skills for the modern workforce.

The educational emergency in Pakistan is exacerbated by insufficient funding, administrative inefficiencies, and political instability. According to the Global Partnership for Education, Pakistan allocates only 2.8% of its GDP to education, significantly below the recommended benchmark of 4-6% (Global Partnership for Education, 2020). These factors have led to abysmal dropout rates, particularly in rural areas, where children often forego education to support their families financially. The urban-rural education gap remains pronounced, with rural areas suffering from inadequate resources and infrastructure.
The education sector is in dire need of infrastructure improvements and better measures to maintain standards, along with increased funding and qualified educators. However, previous governments have been marred by corruption, with funds being misappropriated for personal gain, and political patronage leading to the hiring of party supporters over qualified educators in certain positions. This has resulted in citizens, particularly in rural areas, being deprived of education to maintain political control over voters.
Many Pakistani thinkers point out that much of the land allocated for the education sector has been unlawfully seized by political groups and army/land mafias, ostensibly for school construction but used for commercial purposes instead. Additionally, a lack of proper documentation, updates, and databases has perpetuated this cycle, serving the purpose of keeping the masses illiterate and unable to make informed decisions. During elections, political parties have resorted to buying votes with nominal sums or plates of ‘Biryani’. The deliberate deprivation of education aims to keep the population vulnerable to manipulation and ensures they remain trapped in poverty and ignorance Corruption plays a significant role in perpetuating educational disparities. Furthermore, entrenched cultural norms in western provinces hinder female education, with many girls either prevented from attending school after puberty or altogether barred from education. Despite census data indicating higher female literacy rates overall, certain regions still enforce these restrictive practices, limiting educational opportunities for women.
In stark contrast, in India, Kashmir has emerged as a beacon of progress in the realm of education, propelled by concerted efforts to prioritize educational development. Government policies and initiatives have played a pivotal role in expanding access to education, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting female education. The region has witnessed a surge in literacy rates, with a notable increase in school enrolments and advancements in educational technology. Key to Kashmir's educational success is its commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Efforts to address socio-economic barriers, coupled with investments in modernizing educational facilities, have yielded tangible results. Moreover, the emphasis on female education has empowered women and girls, fostering a more equitable society. In the recently presented Interim Budget by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on February 1, allocations for the departments of Higher Education and School Education, under the Union Education Ministry, have witnessed a notable increase. Notably, schemes such as PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) have received almost 50% more allocation compared to the previous budget cycle.
For the School Education Department, the total allocation stands at ₹73,008.10 crore, representing a significant increase from the previous Budget's ₹68,804.85 crore. The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), formerly known as the mid-day meal scheme, has been allocated ₹12,467.39 crore, while PM SHRI has received ₹6,050 crore in this budget cycle. Turning to the Higher Education Department, the total allocation is ₹47,619.77 crore, reflecting a notable increase from the previous Budget's ₹44,094.62 crore. Revised Estimates saw a further increase to ₹57,244.48 crore, with actual expenditure in 2022-23 amounting to ₹38,556.80 crore.
According to the analysis conducted by the Government of India, Ministry of Education, Planning, Monitoring, and Statistics Bureau, New Delhi, the percentage of expenditure on education by departments across India from 2018-19 to 2020-21 was approximately 4.69% of the Gross State Domestic Product - highest among all states. The state-wise relationship between budgeted expenditure on education for all departments on Revenue Account in terms of the Gross State Domestic Product revealed that Jammu and Kashmir topped the list. As depicted in the graph, J&K exhibited the highest allocation towards education, underlining the region's significant prioritization of educational investment within its budgetary framework.
The Unified District Information System for Education Plus data reveals significant improvements in Jammu & Kashmir's education sector. Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in 2022 higher secondary level has surged by over 10.8% from 2018. In 2021-22, GER stood at 53.2% for higher secondary and 60.5% for secondary education, showcasing steady progress. J&K witnessed a rise in the number of schools, with 28,805 schools operating in 2021-22, up from 28,654 in 2018-19. Efforts to bolster enrolment have seen positive outcomes, with significant increases in student numbers, particularly in secondary education.
The data also indicates improvements in teacher-student ratios, with Pupil Teacher Ratio at 13 in secondary and 28 in higher secondary levels in 2021-22. The enrolment of Children with Special Needs is substantial, indicating ongoing efforts to address inclusivity in education. Significant efforts have been made over the past decade to expand education across remote, hilly, and underprivileged areas within the state. Special mobile education initiatives tailored for nomadic communities such as Gujjars and Bakarwals ensure educational access reaches even the most marginalized populations.
These figures underscore the School Education Department's continued endeavours to enhance enrolment, particularly in remote areas, through initiatives like the Enrolment Drive, aimed at ensuring universal enrolment and - more importantly- reducing dropouts in government schools. The glaring disparity between Pakistan and Kashmir's education systems can be attributed to various factors, including political stability, government investment, and socio-economic conditions. Pakistan's tumultuous political landscape and chronic underinvestment in education have hampered progress, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment.
Conversely, Indian Kashmir's relative stability, coupled with strategic investments in education, has paved the way for transformative change. Despite facing its own set of challenges, including periodic unrest, the region has demonstrated resilience and determination in advancing educational opportunities for its populace. Even the private sector has experienced significant growth in Jammu and Kashmir over the years. With 19.25% of schools in the private sector, there is a balanced provision of education, catering to 45.60% of students. Despite comprising only 40.89% of teachers, private schools significantly contribute to the vitality of the education sector, boasting an impressive 92% pass rate. Moreover, private schools demonstrate adaptability and responsiveness, with female teacher employment surpassing that of government schools. These developments signify collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, driving progress and inclusivity in education across Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Educational Policy 2020, under the guidance of Dr. Kasturirangan, advocates for a comprehensive approach to gender equality in education, stressing collaboration between states and local communities. The policy endeavours to bridge gender gaps, foster societal inclusivity, and empower girls through dialogue. NEP 2020 proposes initiatives such as a gender inclusion fund and targeted scholarships to ensure equitable access to education. Additionally, it emphasizes the establishment of safe learning environments for female students, mandating schools to adhere to accreditation standards by fostering a culture free from harassment and discrimination.
During the inauguration of the Asian School's new campus and the floodlight system at KC Public School’s Multi-Sports Ground, LG Manoj Sinha emphasized the pivotal role of education in societal and national upliftment. He highlighted the transformative vision of Prime Minister and stressed the need for educational institutions to adopt measures ensuring accessibility and affordability, particularly benefiting marginalized communities. Sinha reiterated education as a cornerstone for nation-building, emphasizing the importance of quality, inclusive, and future-oriented education capable of meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Implemented since April 1, 2018, the Samagra Shiksha scheme amalgamates key educational initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyanand Teacher Education aiming to enhance school effectiveness and ensure equitable learning outcomes. The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), initiated in 2012-13, stands as one of the largest Management Information Systems in school education, facilitating real-time data collection to enhance efficiency.
The juxtaposition of Pakistan's education crisis and Indian Kashmir's progress underscores the critical importance of investing in education as a catalyst for socio-economic development and peace-building. While Pakistan is plagued with systemic deficiencies in its education system, India and Kashmir are fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth. By drawing inspiration from the success story of Kashmir, Pakistan can also chart a path towards a brighter future, where every child has access to quality education.