More than 25 million children in Pakistan currently out of school

The Nation newspaper reported on Friday that the data was part of a new report by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) -- a government organisation.

A man with school children wearing masks rides a motorcycle as smog envelopes the area in Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

More than 25 million children across Pakistan are currently out of school, with 20 million of them having never attended school, according to a report.

The Nation newspaper reported on Friday that the data was part of a new report by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) — a government organisation.

The report highlights that 1,084 transgender children are also among those not enrolled in any educational institution, raising concerns about inclusivity and access.

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A province-wise breakdown shows deep disparities. Punjab accounts for 9.6 million out-of-school children, including 4.7 million boys and 4.8 million girls. Sindh follows with 7.8 million children not attending school, that is 3.7 million boys and 4 million girls.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4.9 million children remain out of school, comprising 2 million boys and 2.9 million girls. Balochistan reports 2.9 million out-of-school children, split between 1.4 million boys and 1.5 million girls.

Even the federal capital faces a significant challenge with 89,000 children between the ages of 6 and 16 out of school, that includes 47,849 boys and 41,275 girls.

The PIE report warns that the number of out-of-school children is rising by 20,000 every year, underscoring the urgency for government action.

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Education experts stress that effective and immediate policy measures are needed to ensure all children have access to formal education.