ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s education expenditure has plummeted to a historic low of 0.8% of GDP, despite 26 million children being out of school – one of the world’s worst enrollment rates.
New data reveals a shocking 29% reduction in education spending since July 2024, contradicting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declared “education emergency” and international commitments.
Broken Promises, Shattered Futures
The latest Pakistan Economic Survey shows consistent decline from 2% GDP allocation in 2018 to the current 0.8% – far below the UN-recommended 4-6% benchmark.
Save the Children’s alarming report highlights how Balochistan suffers most severely, with 75% of girls deprived of education entirely.
Climate disasters compound the crisis, as heatwaves and floods repeatedly force school closures, disrupting learning for millions.
The funding shortfall threatens to increase child labor and early marriages, with existing data showing 10% of 10-14 year-olds working.
A Nation Risking Its Future
Country Director Khuram Gondal warns these cuts represent more than budget adjustments – they’re a betrayal of Pakistan’s youth.
Marginalized communities face the harshest impact, with existing educational disparities worsening dramatically.
The government’s 2029 target of 4% GDP allocation appears increasingly unrealistic as current trends move opposite direction.
International donors must intervene urgently to prevent generational damage to Pakistan’s human capital development.
