Soul of society

In Pakistan, education is at the root of many of our challenges. According to Article 25-A of the constitution, the state is responsible for providing free education to children aged 5 to 16. Yet, this obligation remains largely unmet. Unicef data shows that Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children, with a recent report revealing that 26.21 million children in this age group are not attending school. This statistic is both staggering and deeply concerning.

It is unrealistic to expect stability and progress without prioritising and reforming education. The state must view education as a fundamental right, not a privilege. Immediate and comprehensive action is essential to address this crisis and ensure every child in Pakistan can access quality education.

Mudassar Farid Qureshi

Islamabad