Pakistan is facing one of its worst education emergencies as record-breaking monsoon rains devastate schools and communities across the country. Since late June, over 200 children have lost their lives in flood-related incidents, while millions more have been forced out of classrooms due to damaged infrastructure and unsafe conditions, according to Save the Children.
The worst-hit region is Punjab, the nation’s most populous province, where an estimated 25 million children remain unable to return to school. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intense cloudbursts have destroyed or severely damaged at least 674 schools, leaving thousands of students without safe spaces to learn.
Beyond physical destruction, the psychological toll has been staggering. Children who lost their homes, belongings, and educational materials now struggle to cope with trauma and uncertainty. “The flash floods destroyed everything… including learning materials and books,” said Rabia Rauf of Save the Children, adding that “Children are traumatised and they need to feel safe.”
This year’s crisis mirrors the catastrophic floods of 2022, raising urgent questions about Pakistan’s preparedness for recurring climate-driven disasters. Aid groups are scrambling to establish temporary learning centers that provide not only education but also psychological support. Khuram Gondal, Save the Children’s Country Director, warned that “We must act now to ensure that children do not miss vital learning. Education in emergencies… saves lives.”
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While relief efforts are underway, the unfolding disaster exposes Pakistan’s chronic vulnerabilities. Weak infrastructure, inadequate disaster planning, and a lack of climate-resilient educational facilities have left children at the mercy of extreme weather. Unless long-term reforms are prioritized alongside emergency relief, the cycle of destruction and disruption will continue to rob millions of children of their future.