Over 10 million children aged 5-9 years remain out of school in Pakistan: report

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has disclosed that 26.20 million children in Pakistan remain out of school, with over 10 million of them belonging to the 5-9 age bracket.

Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui shared the alarming data in response to a question posed by MNA Shahida Rehmani in the National Assembly on Monday.

According to the minister, the breakdown of out-of-school children by age group revealed that 10,774,890 children aged 5-9, 4,935,484 children aged 10-12, and 4.5 million children aged 13-14 are not attending school. 

Approximately 6 million students aged 13-16 are missing out on higher secondary education, he added.

In response to MNA Rehmani's query about measures to increase girls' enrollment in schools, Minister Siddiqui highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE). 

The measures include establishing 200 computer labs to teach coding, introducing STEM programs in 30 institutions, and employing a higher number of female teachers to provide equal opportunities for girls.

The FDE, which deals with Islamabad-based institutes only, has also launched nutritional programs to enhance students' learning capabilities.

The minister also said that no tuition fee is charged till grade 10, and free textbooks are provided to students in schools.

The government's efforts aim to address the challenge of out-of-school children in Pakistan and promote inclusive education, particularly for girls.