A recent report based on Pakistan’s Census 2023 data unveils a concerning reality: 63% of the country’s youth and 23% of adolescents have never experienced formal education. This revelation underscores a persistent crisis that marginalizes millions of young individuals, particularly the out-of-school adolescents and youth (OOSAY), who often remain overlooked in policy planning.
The data further exposes a gender disparity, with nearly 75% of females aged 15 to 29 having never been enrolled in school, compared to about half of their male counterparts. This educational gap not only signifies a lack of schooling but also translates into long-term exclusion from decent employment, healthcare, and active societal engagement.
Experts emphasize that these statistics reflect broader issues beyond education, leading to a lifelong cycle of deprivation from essential opportunities like decent work, healthcare access, and meaningful social involvement. Efforts to address these challenges are underway, with a recent needs assessment conducted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute and UNFPA focusing on OOSAY in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Financial constraints emerge as a significant barrier, affecting nearly 75% of respondents and contributing to the high dropout rates among young people. Other obstacles include household duties, limited school accessibility, lengthy commutes, unsafe transportation, and prevailing social norms, especially impacting girls.
The repercussions of being out of school vary between genders, with boys often compelled into early, physically demanding, and poorly compensated labor to support their families. In contrast, girls face the burden of unpaid domestic chores, limiting their educational and economic prospects. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Pakistan’s youth population.
