Punjab is facing a severe shortage of government schools, with just 38,000 public institutions serving its massive population of 130 million. A new report by the Population Council highlights that this deficit, along with poor infrastructure, is driving high dropout rates across the province.
The study warns that Punjab must build nearly 19,000 additional schools in the next 15 years to keep up with its rapidly expanding population. It calls on the provincial government to make education a top priority in the upcoming budget by allocating substantial funds for new school construction.
With Punjab’s population growing at over 2.5% annually, the surge in school-age children is straining the public education system. The report estimates that around 10 million children between 5 and 15 years old remain out of school, primarily due to a lack of accessible facilities.
According to a Punjab School Education Department (SED) official, the province currently has about 21,702 primary, 7,200 middle, 8,000 high, and 800 higher secondary schools across 36 districts. However, no new government school has been built in Lahore since 2011, exposing a glaring gap in infrastructure development. Many newly developed urban areas still lack public schools, forcing families to seek alternatives.
The official also raised concerns over the government’s move to outsource public schools—a controversial policy opposed by teachers who argue it neglects low-income families. With poverty already a major barrier, limited access to free education further marginalizes disadvantaged communities.
Rana Liaqat Ali, Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, condemned the outsourcing strategy, stating that educators have long warned about the school shortage. “We opposed outsourcing because it doesn’t address the root issue,” he said. He praised international NGOs for spotlighting the crisis and urged the government to prioritize long-term solutions for future generations.
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Ali also stressed the need for new government colleges and universities to support the growing student population and sustain educational progress in Punjab. He expressed optimism that the upcoming provincial budget would include major investments in school construction and upgrades, signaling a stronger commitment to public education.