ISLAMABAD: The number of out-of-school children in Pakistan remains above 26 million, according to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. This figure persists despite several government efforts and commitments to address the issue.
In a written response to the National Assembly, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui revealed that the data from the 2021-22 period shows there are 26.20 million out-of-school children in the country. The breakdown includes approximately 10.77 million children aged 5-9, 4.94 million aged 10-12, and 4.5 million aged 13-14. Additionally, about 5.95 million students aged 13-16 are missing higher secondary education.
In response to questions from MNA Shahida Rehmani regarding efforts to boost school enrollment for girls, the minister highlighted several initiatives. The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has set up 200 computer labs across Islamabad-based schools to teach coding and enhance IT and entrepreneurial skills among girls. STEM programs have been introduced in 30 institutions, and equal opportunities are provided for girls’ schools, including hiring more female teachers. The FDE also offers free textbooks and charges no tuition fees up to grade 10. Nutritional programs have been launched to improve students’ learning abilities.
Regarding the ‘Pink Bus Project,’ MNA Sehar Kamran inquired whether 20 buses allocated for public schools and colleges had been repurposed for female students and teachers. Education Minister Siddiqui clarified that buses were allocated based on institutional demand. Currently, there are 311 operational buses for FDE schools, up from 258 previously, due to the addition of 78 previously dysfunctional buses.
The minister explained that the shortage of fuel and drivers had been a significant issue, prompting the hiring of 200 drivers and conductors from a third party. To address the problem of female students dropping out due to transport issues, 20 buses were converted into ‘pink buses’ to provide free transportation for female students, working women, and female teachers in Islamabad and ICT.
