On International Literacy Day, Pakistan declared a nationwide education emergency, aiming to address the issue of 26 million out-of-school children in the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement, calling for the private sector and civil organisations to collaborate with the government to tackle this pressing issue, as reported by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
The 72-year-old leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz reiterated his commitment to advancing education in the country, with the goal of building a more informed and sustainable nation. “We have declared an education emergency across the country, launched a student enrollment campaign, and introduced midday meals for schoolchildren,” he said.
Sharif emphasised that literacy is not just about reading and writing, but a fundamental human right that serves as a “gateway to empowerment, economic opportunity, and active participation in society.” He noted that improving literacy is essential for securing the country’s future.
To lower the school dropout rate and encourage children to complete their education, the government has introduced scholarships and other incentives. The prime minister also stressed the importance of aligning literacy and skill development with technology, stating that the government has implemented a comprehensive plan to integrate technology into the education system. This will equip youth with the skills needed to succeed in the growing digital economy.
Sharif also highlighted the role of the private sector and civil society organisations as key partners in the government’s efforts. “By forming effective partnerships, we can link education to employment and self-employment opportunities, building a stronger and more inclusive workforce,” he added.
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Earlier in May, the prime minister had declared an education emergency, vowing to enroll the 26 million children who are not currently in school. Addressing the National Conference on Education Emergency, Sharif said, “With strong conviction and the support of the provinces, we will address the challenge of 26 million out-of-school children. We will bring them back to school. I declare from this moment an emergency in education across Pakistan… Just as we did it in Punjab, we will do it across the country.”
The prime minister noted that the dual challenges of out-of-school children and stunted growth in Pakistan require significant financial resources to overcome.
International Literacy Day, observed annually on September 8, serves as a reminder to policymakers, educators, and the public of the critical importance of literacy in creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. UNESCO has highlighted the global education crisis, revealing that three out of four children in developing countries cannot read or comprehend a basic text by the age of 10. Additionally, 754 million adults worldwide remain illiterate, two-thirds of whom are women.
