Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marked World Literacy Day on Monday by expressing grave concern over Pakistan’s literacy rate, declaring it “alarming” and below global and regional standards. He announced a united national campaign between federal and provincial governments to prioritize education.
The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement highlighting the government’s data, which places the national literacy rate at 60%. This figure is compounded by a severe challenge: 26 million children are currently out of school, one of the highest figures in the world.
“The federal and provincial governments are united in their efforts to promote learning and increase the literacy rate,” PM Sharif stated. He outlined the campaign’s core objective: “to ensure that every child not only receives basic education but also has access to higher education, skills, and technical knowledge.”
Calling education a “continuous struggle to shape the generations of any nation,” the Prime Minister asserted it must be the top priority for any government seeking meaningful national progress. He directly contrasted Pakistan’s 60% rate with the higher standards of other South Asian nations and modern global requirements.
“This alarming situation reminds us that, as a nation, we must prioritize education and take every possible step to open the path of collective progress,” he emphasized.
Beyond government action, PM Shehbaz called for a national effort, urging teachers, parents, and all citizens to recognize their responsibility in promoting education. He concluded with a call to action: “Let us today reaffirm our commitment, as a nation, to dispel the darkness of illiteracy with the light of knowledge.”
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The statements come as the world observes World Literacy Day, a UN initiative since 1967 aimed at highlighting the critical role of literacy in building just and sustainable societies. UNESCO estimates that 739 million youth and adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills in 2024.