Research Project: Causes of Low Literacy Rate in Pakistan

Research Project
Causes Of Low Literacy Rate In Pakistan
22-Sep-11
NFC Institute of Engineering & Fertilizer Research

Faisalabad
Causes of Low Literacy Rate In Pakistan
Submitted By:
Bilal Siddique 05
M.Gulraiz Ahmed 15
Sohaib Zafar 85
Zubair Masood 25
Submitted to:
Sir Hassan Naveed
2
Acknowledgements
First of all thanks to Almighty Allah for the successful accomplishment of this task. Allah
Almighty the merciful, the beneficent Who helps us in achieving our goals.
We will like to thanks our parents whose constant support was helpful during our research their
encouragement and facilitation gave us energy to complete this project successfully
We thank our project supervisor Professor Hassaan Naveed whose guidance enlightened our
vision and made the research work easier for us. We the group members feel honored to work
under his supervision. His supervision led us to the successful accomplishment of this project.
A special thanks to Professor Irshad (Agricultural University Faisalabad) Mr. Tahir Raza (HOD
Electrical Department NFC IEFR Faisalabad) and dean of entomology Agriculture University
Faisalabad for the precious time that they took out for the interviews.
3
Table Of Contents
Topic Page No.
1-Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
2-Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
3-Literature review…....................................................................................................14
4-Questionnaire………………………………………………………………………………………………………...27
5-Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..29
6-Structured Interview…………………………………………………………………………………………….…42
7-Findings & Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………………….…..46
8-Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………………….……….…47
9-Refernces…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………49
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Executive Summary
The research was based upon finding the causes of low literacy rate of Pakistan. Literacy is very
effective and important parameter of measuring social development of a society. Literacy is
also the ground reason for many other social problems such as crime rate, political
unawareness and terrorism which off course has turned into a cancer.
The research survey and interviews were based upon the literature reviews’ results. A number
of previous studies and analysis mostly were converging on a number of definite reasons for
low literacy rate. They included
 Poverty
 Lack of awareness
 Gender discrimination
 Government’s mismanagement
 Lack of awareness.
The research survey was based upon all these finding in the review. The options inferred from
the review were tested twice in survey forms so that element of doubt and clarity is removed
from the answer of respondents. Respondents were chosen from Faisalabad and within close
proximity of the Institute. . We moved in the markets specially AL FATAH, D-GROUND and KOH-
I-NOOR in Faisalabad. The results of the survey were analyzed with simple ratio and respective
percentages. The percentages and their figurative presentations are represented in data
analysis of the report.
Majority of the respondents opined in the favor of the poverty being the major reasons and
linked it with government’s responsibility to eliminate the poverty. The second major reason
which people opined was gender discrimination. They were of the opinion that there was a
need of a social and religious campaign to avoid further catastrophe in this regard. Apart from
the surveys interviews were conducted. Educationists were supportive to a heavy budget
investment in the field of education. They blamed government for not planning the policies
concerning this sector. They said lack of awareness was a major reason behind low literacy.
5
After reviewing the opinions from various sectors, conclusively we come to a point that though
core causes exist yet there is a need of massive state-sponsored effort to eliminate illiteracy
from the country. Since the issues related are materialistic and financial therefore we are more
in a need of state sponsored move. We critically analyzing our research came to a point that
poverty, gender discrimination and government’s mismanagement were the most important
reasons where government role is always in all other factors. Population growth is a low rated
reason for the low literacy rate of Pakistan.
Government should launch a multi dimensional policy in this regard specially focusing on
eliminating the factor of finance from education either directly or indirectly. It should also take
the services of religious scholars to promote the message of importance of education.
6
Introduction
Literacy is very effective and important parameter of measuring social development of a

society. Literacy is also the ground reason for many other social problems such as crime rate,
political unawareness and terrorism which off course has turned into a cancer.
The literacy rate in Pakistan is divided into three regions that is in cities, villages and tribal
areas. The literacy rate in Pakistan has been increasing every year. Below are some points
regarding literacy rate in Pakistan.
The literacy rate of 87% in Islamabad from 20% in Kohlu district. In the period 2000-2004, the
Pakistanis in the age group 55-64 was the literacy rate of almost 30% of persons aged 45-54
were the literacy rate of about 40% of those between 25-34 were literate 50% while those aged
15-24 were literate in more than 60%. These data show that with each generation, literacy rate
in Pakistan has increased by about 10%. The literacy rate in different regions, in particular by
gender. In the tribal areas of literacy among women is 7.5%. In addition, English is rapidly
spreading in Pakistan, with 18 million Pakistanis (11% of the population), which has authority
over the English language that makes it 9-ranked English speaking nation world and third
largest in Asia. In addition, Pakistan produces about 445,000 graduates and 10.000 informatics
graduates a year.
So the conditions of literacy rate are not adequate enough for a proper political and social
development of the country. This is clearly evident from the literacy ratio, that the ground is
not good for political and social awareness. Our topic is well placed for today’s scenario since
illiteracy itself is the direct and indirect cause of many other problems.
Education is a basic right for every human and has now become a standard to measure the
social progress of nations. It is surely a key to the political, social and economic development. In
the recent history, it has become a prominent phenomenon. The education policy is always on
the top of national priorities today. The recent flared situation of global intolerance is also
believed to be linked with literacy. Literacy rates have been proved with research to be linked
with the economic development of the country. The literate societies are more earning today.
They have greater social and political stability. So literacy is an important aspect internationally.
Pakistan faces a challenge of the low literacy as compared to the developing countries.
7
The country has one of the lowest literacy rates of the region, in OIC Pakistan has one of the
lowest literacy rates and when dealing with the causes of this we believe that following are the
major
 Economic causes
 Gender Inequality
 Population growth
 Lack of quality and awareness
Economic causes are greatly affecting the literacy rate of Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing
country where 38% people are living beneath the poverty line. They don’t have enough
resources to fill their appetite. The household income is very meager and often not enough to
support all the children for primary education. It is a matter of concern that even if the family
household income is greater than the expenses the number of children is greater than savings
to afford. Parents prefer their children to work so that income pressure could be met easily.
The economic cause is a major cause and no research has denied this. The second major cause
pointed out in various pieces of literature we studied was the gender inequality. Pakistan has a
large proportion of female population which remains uneducated and thus has a serious impact
on overall view of country’s literacy profile. This reason is also linked with financial constraints.
The social norms give a definite preference to the male child. Thus whenever there is an option
of picking the one child female child is always given the least priority. The literacy gap between
male and female that was 19% in 1981 and stands 24% in 1998.It is very expensive to be poor.
One clear manifestation of this truth is that poverty is major barrier to schooling. It costs about
half the annual income of poor rural families to send one child to primary school for one year.
Gender issues starts from the fact that social norms and religion is misinterpreted. People view
that religion restricts females of the family within four walls of the house. This is a concrete
belief especially in rural areas where majority of the Pakistani population resides. Here the
awareness campaigns to dilute this effect are difficult because of the infrastructure
unavailability. The gender inequality has severe effects over the overall literacy figures.
People believe that women are not a long run family member since they have to leave after
getting married. They think that men are members of family which have to support the family
financially, to bear the expenditures of the family. Therefore they invest over the males
neglecting the females.
8
We also view sex-segregation as a reason for our low literacy rate. In the developing country
like Pakistan where finance is a major problem, where we are not strong enough monetarily,
we are stressing sex segregated schools. We believe in that the cultural norms here demand
such measures however they should not be considered to an extent where they become a
hurdle. Although the government is doing effort to provide the segregated schools and colleges
for boys and girls but still it’s a problem. If we’ll wait for the separated schools for the girls we
will deprive our generations from the basic right of education.
Population growth is also posing a problem since the rapid population growth restricts the
literacy planning. There is a sure chance that after five years or so the population figures
become obsolete and planning needs to be revised. Plus the impact of an already done work is
limited as a massive challenge grows within that period. The population should be controlled if
the effects of the efforts are to be observed clearly.
Why the ratio of the students who are just saying goodbye to school is increasing because we
are not providing the education which can attract the child towards itself. The supply of female
teachers is important to encourage the female education considering the cultural norms.
Quality of education at primary level is not standardized. This results in high dropout rate.
There is a very little convincing factor and attraction in obsolete methods of teaching.
Therefore those who are already economically stressed are highly vulnerable to drop from
primary level. Teachers often are well equipped and sometimes it is seen that teachers are not
properly qualified even. Cases have been reported with schools having teachers who are not
qualified up to primary levels. So the political involvement is also resulting in under qualified
people coming to this sector. Besides, the facilities like furniture and other basic needs are not
provided. The schools in rural areas are not well placed to cater majority of the population. So
students from far flung areas prefer to remain in their locality because they are very poor and
have no transportation means.
9
Purpose of study:
We have chosen this topic to analyze the problems of low literacy rate of Pakistan. We are to
research on the core issues related to the low literacy rate. We have not been able to uplift our
literacy rate even after claiming to have education on our national priority list. Our low literacy
seems to be the root cause of all other ills of the society that have risen to the scene in the last
decade. One of them may include intolerance and lack of awareness for human rights among the
masses of the nation. We shall study the root cause of the mother of the problems. Our basic
purpose will be to highlight the factors that are providing a recessive and resistive force to the
development of a sound education system which may be able to attract more and more
population towards education.
Background:
Talking on a macro scale, according to UNESCO Pakistan is currently rated at 157 th position in
the list of 174 countries of the world with a low literacy rate of 58.2%.An analysis of the literacy
rate and their definitions over the years. According to a research report by Badar Muneer of
National University of Science and Technology on low literacy rate of Pakistan, the major
reasons and hindrances for literacy are poverty, feudalism, shooting rise in population and low
allocation of budget. Our personal view is that core problem of low literacy rate is poverty. So
we shall primarily continue on this line with later observations included later on.
10
Year Definition of
Age
of Male Female Total Urban Rural being
group
census “literate”
One who can

read a clear
1951 19.2% 12.2% 16.4% -- -- All Ages
print in any
language
One who is
able to read
with
1961 26.9% 8.2% 16.3% 34.8% 10.6% Age 5 and above
understanding a
simple letter in
any language
One who is
able to read and
1972 30.2% 11.6% 21.7% 41.5% 14.3% write in some Age 10 and Above
language with
understanding
One who can

read newspaper
1981 35.1% 16.0% 26.2% 47.1% 17.3% Age 10 and Above
and write a
simple letter
1998 54.8% 32.0% 43.9% 63.08% 33.64%

One who can
read a
newspaper
2004 66.25% 41.75% 54% 71% 44% Age 10 and Above
and write a
simple letter, in
any language
2009 69% 45% 57% 74% 48%
11
Table below shows the literacy rate of Pakistan by province.
Literacy Rate
Province
1972 1981 1998 2009
Punjab 20.7% 27.4% 46.6% 59%
Sindh 30.2% 31.5% 45.3% 59%
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 15.5% 16.7% 35.4% 50%
Balochistan 10.1% 10.3% 26.6% 45%
Table below shows the literacy rate of Federally Administered Areas.
Literacy Rate
Region
1981 1998 2007
Islamabad 47.8% 72.88% 87%
Azad Kashmir 25.7% 55% 62%(2004)
Gilgit-Baltistan 3% (female) 37.85% 53%(2006)
Tribal 6.38% 17.42% 22%
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Data collection and sampling:

For data collection and sampling we will interact with those people who are not able to continue
their studies due to some odd reasons, try to discover those reasons and what steps should be
taken by government and other organization to eradicate those problems. We will also interact
with those people who didn’t ever get a chance to school. We will also go to those people who
say goodbye to studies after matriculations and after colleges. We will try to interact some
teachers of school level and try to discover the reasons that why the majority of students leave
the studies after school and colleges. We will also try to interact with some educationist and also
get their opinion. We will also meet the children who are working at different workshops day
and night and are struggling their bellies and also ask them that what are the reasons behind it.
We will also meet their parents and ask them why they are sending their little children to jobs
and not schools.
Survey Instruments:
We will go the public to collect their opinion. We will also leave questions on the face book,
twitter, hi5 and all other social network sites and also give them options to answer. We will also
have interview sessions with different entities. We will be using different questionnaires and
survey forms to record the opinions of people related to education in different capacities.
Limitations:
Being a student we have a limited budget and we will be contained within it. We may be limited
to two to three cities. Because all the group members are residents of Lahore, Faisalabad and
Multan. Time limitations can also occur because we are student and we have to manage it within
the range without disturbing the other engagements and subjects.
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Literature review
Pakistan faces a challenge of the low literacy as compared to the developing countries. The
country has one of the lowest literacy rates of the region, in OIC Pakistan has one of the lowest
literacy rates and when dealing with the causes of this we believe that following are the major
 Economic causes
Economic causes are greatly affecting the literacy rate of Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing
country where 38% people are living beneath the poverty line. They don’t have enough
resources to fill their appetite. The household income is very meager and often not enough to
support all the children for primary education. It is a matter of concern that even if the family
household income is greater than the expenses the number of children is greater than savings
to afford. Parents prefer their children to work so that income pressure could be met easily.
on overall view of country’s literacy profile. This reason is also linked with financial constraints.
The social norms give a definite preference to the male child. Thus whenever there is an option
of picking the one child female child is always given the least priority. The literacy gap between
male and female that was 19% in 1981 and stands 24% in 1998.It is very expensive to be poor.
One clear manifestation of this truth is that poverty is major barrier to schooling. It costs about
half the annual income of poor rural families to send one child to primary school for one year.
14
Gender issues starts from the fact that social norms and religion is misinterpreted. People view
that religion restricts females of the family within four walls of the house. This is a concrete
belief especially in rural areas where majority of the Pakistani population resides. Here the
awareness campaigns to dilute this effect are difficult because of the infrastructure
unavailability. The gender inequality has severe effects over the overall literacy figures.
neglecting the females. We also view sex-segregation as a reason for our low literacy rate. In
the developing country like Pakistan where finance is a major problem, where we are not
strong enough monetarily, we are stressing sex segregated schools. We believe in that the
cultural norms here demand such measures however they should not be considered to an
extent where they become a hurdle. Although the government is doing effort to provide the
segregated schools and colleges for boys and girls but still it’s a problem. If we’ll wait for the
separated schools for the girls we will deprive our generations from the basic right of
education.
Population growth is also posing a problem since the rapid population growth restricts the
literacy planning. There is a sure chance that after five years or so the population figures
become obsolete and planning needs to be revised. Plus the impact of an already done work is
limited as a massive challenge grows within that period. The population should be controlled if
the effects of the efforts are to be observed clearly.
Why the ratio of the students who are just saying goodbye to school is increasing because we
are not providing the education which can attract the child towards itself. The supply of female
teachers is important to encourage the female education considering the cultural norms.
Quality of education at primary level is not standardized. This results in high dropout rate.
There is a very little convincing factor and attraction in obsolete methods of teaching.
Therefore those who are already economically stressed are highly vulnerable to drop from
primary level. Teachers often are well equipped and sometimes it is seen that teachers are not
properly qualified even. Cases have been reported with schools having teachers who are not
qualified up to primary levels.
15
So the political involvement is also resulting in under qualified people coming to this sector.
Besides, the facilities like furniture and other basic needs are not provided. The schools in rural
areas are not well placed to cater majority of the population. So students from far flung areas
prefer to remain in their locality because they are very poor and have no transportation means.
Pakistan faces a challenge of the low literacy as compared to the developing countries. The
country has one of the lowest literacy rates of the region, in OIC Pakistan has one of the lowest
literacy rates and when dealing with the causes of this we believe that
 Economic causes
are major reasons behind the recessive attitude of people and nation in general towards the
important field of education
on overall view of country’s literacy profile. Following is a brief review of the literature that we
looked in which in majority supports our hypothesis of economic reasons being the foremost
cause.
The World Bank’s country brief (2005) is a piece of literature accessing the development of
Pakistan and the development challenges that the country faces. However according to the
report Pakistan’s social indicator lag behind comparable per capita incomes.
16
While both male and female literacy rate has increased still the gender gap does not show any
reasonable reduction, the report opines. Under the section of development challenges World
Bank is of the view that poverty is the serious concern in Pakistan. The landing expressed in a
pie chart explains the fact that Pakistan spends very little in the sector of education since in
June 2005 only $3.6million was lend for education. This report of world bank is an indicator in
the favor of our argument about economic disparity being the major reason in containing the
efforts to improve the literacy in Pakistan.
EFA GMR UIS Fact sheet (2011:12) statistically analyzes the fact of household wealth and its
impacts on school going ratio of the children. Pakistan, according to the report, has highest
number of out of school children in the region South Asia. Pakistan is among those countries
which have more than 500 000 out of school children. The report while discussing the
improvements in literacy rates of various countries, suggests that provision of free education
programs has led to a considerable increase in school attendance. Report is of the opinion that
improving the quality of education and reducing the direct and indirect costs are needed to
reduce the dropout rates. Gender issue is once again highlighted as it has been in other studies.
On average, in 31 countries girls are 8% more likely to be out of school than boys. Rural-urban
gap is also identified.
A clear link has been proved between the household wealth and probability of remaining out of
school. According to statistics, compared to children from richest 20%, children from the
poorest quintile are four times less likely to be on school. The report directs the policy makers,
to check on the sex and location problem as well. Gender disparity is a resistive element in the
way of literacy. The report defines that household wealth and sex are interlinked. Within each
quintile girls are less likely to be on school than boys. This gap clearly shrinks with increase in
household wealth. Our argument of gender and household wealth or economic reasons is
supported through statistics. The scientific study has been clearly identifying the economic
cause to be the most important factor for improving literacy.
UNESCO Islamabad’s report “Why Gender Equality in Basic Education In Pakistan” while
referring to PSLM1 survey literacy rate for girls and women are consistently lower than rates of
boys and men. The figure coated by the report indicates the literacy rate is higher in urban
areas than rural areas.
17
In addition to this it also states that female literacy rate is lower than male literacy in urban
and rural areas in all provinces and regions of Pakistan. Gender disparity in literacy rates is
higher in some provinces (KPK and Baluchistan). A further closer analysis of PSLM data reveals
the large gender disparities in some districts, Jacobabad is one to quote. A statement “in some
areas of countries education is still a dream for boys and unimaginable for girls” guides us
towards the two key issues related to literacy, low household wealth and gender inequality.
The section # 6 discusses various factors contributing towards gender disparity in access to
education in Pakistan. The first and the foremost factor highlighted is poverty and absence of
free and compulsory education for all. The direct expenditures keep many girls and boys of the
poor families out of school. The report further states the poverty is closely related to low
education levels & it is also of the opinion that if girls do not become educated due to lack of
funds for education in their households a circle is perpetuated which continues to unable
family to afford to educate girls. Another factor is highlighted in the way of economic factor for
the low literacy rates is low education budget and the report suggests that an average Pakistan
have been spending around 2% of its GDP on education during 20 years.
The third factor highlighted is a cultural norm which restricts movements of girls and women.
The cultural for male children shortage of sex segregated schools & shortage of female teachers
especially in rural areas are the highlighted reasons for gender disparity in education. The
conclusion of the report stresses upon a heavier expenditure on education and assuring gender
equality to boost up the literacy levels in addition an improved advocacy will also helps in
achieving the goals.
Dorte Verner(2005), in his study about literacy, in its third section identify high population
growth inadequate schooling, low school enrolments rates and poverty few major reasons for
the increase in number of illiterate people, around the globe. The research reveals that 95% of
the world illiterate people live in developing countries and about 70% are women. Illiteracy
rates vary with income levels and across regions in low income countries, as expressed in
research paper, illiteracy is almost three as high as lower middle and upper middle income
countries. It further states the illiteracy is very high in Asia. Regions with higher illiteracy rates
tend to have `lower GNP per capita. There is clear link between the household wealth and
literacy. Here our estimation is supported by this study of African countries while a bit of global
scenario is revealed by comparison of various regions, one of which is South Asia.
18
Javed Hasan Aly(2007), in policy review once again is of the opinion that economic disparity and
gender inequity are top core issues besides the geographic disparity containing literacy. In its
section 7.3 on page 29, writer suggests the provision of compulsory and free education as one
of the top policy suggestions. The writer also recommends additional resources for provinces
with wider gender gaps and hiring of teacher and teacher training oriented towards reducing
gaps. The writer is of the opinion that the educational status of woman of Pakistan is
unacceptably low.
The writer opines that this status is amongst the lowest in the world. According to Ministry of
Women Development, 60% of female adult population is illiterate. 19% of women of Pakistan
have attained education to matriculation. Women of Pakistan don’t form homogenous entity;
their opportunities vary greatly with the social system they are part of. In section 8.1.2 the
author is of the opinion the main factor which keep the children out of education are: poverty,
low quality of education, education not been perceived to provide economic gains and long
distances to school. Once again in the section 8.2 the writer recommends a law of free and
compulsory education up to X enacted by each province.
This recommendation reveals that there is a serious need of evaluating and eliminating the
economic disparity so that a major hurdle in the way of improving of literacy can be removed.
In the section 7.4.2 of the white paper deals with the economic disparity the writer clearly
states that “poverty is the main obstacle to acquiring quality education and also the result of
poor education to the economically deprived”. Once again in its policy recommendations in
section 7.4.3 greater political and financial support is suggested to be given in rural schools and
other neglected areas.
In a research by Munir (2005), the section 2 deals with illiterates of Pakistan, their
characteristics and reasons/factors responsible for the illiteracy. Dealing with the factors of
illiteracy has been done under headings. Rural people, 67% of total population, live an
underdeveloped life. There is a lack of basic facilities in such areas. Awareness campaigns are
needed. Besides rural population, feudal setups of many areas are hurdle since people are not
encouraged for education. The result of this, writer concludes that literacy rates of rural
females in KPK and Baluchistan is less than 10%.
19
Another major reason that really is a core to many other problems is poverty. The category is
named as “Poor and Disadvantaged people”. The study reveals that 35% population in Pakistan
is under poverty line; in rural population the figure exceeds 40%. Families in this category
prefer to sustain their family income than sending children to school. Write opines that the
population in Katchi Abadis, slum dwellers, people working on agricultural farms is included in
this category. This supports are estimation of poverty being reasons. Since the figures of
poverty line are monstrous, the fact of poverty being a core problem in the way of literacy is
confirmed. Other problems include minorities’ rights, refugees and nomads, Handicaps and
gender disparity. This is all due to the lack of facilities for the respective categories. The female
education is another attention catching point, if we consider the stress laid upon it in previous
studies.
The writer sums up the paper by including a valid point of increase in funds allocation and
awareness campaigns as need to contain this issue. Our argument of economic and gender
problems are once again supported by the statistical and logical answers. The percentage of
population living under the poverty line poses a serious challenge for future programs in
enhancing the literacy. The effectiveness of these programs is also a matter concern due to
poverty.
Naushin Mahmood(2011:68), in a research conducted and compilation of statistics related to

the population growth is of the opinion that Pakistan faces a challenge of having one of the
highest numbers of out of-school children; most of whom are females and are more likely to be
from rural areas. By 2015 the rapid increase of population will result in a population of 7.5
million boys and about 9 million girls remaining out of school or illiterate. It is the matter of
great concern that the number of children who will never enter school will be augmented to
10.8 million boys and 12.2 million girls in 2015 and this will rise to a total of approximately 27.7
million by 2030 out of school children.
A clear increment of 11 million who would remain out of school will be a bulky challenge in the
coming decade. The working further opines that a number of factors contribute to keep
secondary level enrollments low among youth of Pakistan. It points out limited availability of
public school and teachers especially all-girls school in rural areas, teaching methods and
schooling facilities as a few examples.
20
This study suggests that there is a need of massive efforts through increased resources and
focused efforts to target rural, poor and marginalized population to reduce education
deficiency in Pakistan.
Saqib, Riasat, Hukamdad, Safdar and Uzma(2010) discuss various factors of children enrollment
on school. This is also a statistical analysis of surveys conducted by the researchers. The surveys
were conducted. The researchers declare education as the biggest challenge for development
of Pakistan. Maximum respondents of their survey opined economic reasons to be the major
cause for low enrollment in basic education.
The reasons varied a little between parents’ opinions and teachers’ views. In section 4 the
researchers present conclusions. These conclusions were their analysis of the data they
collected. The final statement of their conclusions was an attention point. The researchers
supported an already established concept of studies that poverty was the major cause of low
enrollment. This final statement goes “It was concluded from the findings study that poverty is
the major cause of low enrollment.” District Bannu was focus of the researchers so they
recommended some steps.
The gender disparity was highlighted and steps to minimize this were recommended. In the
recommendations the provision of cheaper or free education is also pointed. Rest of this
research publication was statistical. We will like to point out an all-out support of our
arguments by the researchers. We find our study heading towards two major causes. One, and
major of them being poverty and second being the poverty.
Rana Ejaz Ali Khan and Karamat Ali in their working paper, highlight the preference of sons over
daughters in poverty stricken households. The literacy rate of Pakistan is increasing over the
last few years but still it is less than many countries of the same region. Gender disparity is a big
hurdle in our literacy rate. First of all the main problem is limitations of the movements of girls
and women. After the age of puberty some additional restrictions are imposed to the girls. The
female members of the home have to get the special permission from the elder members of
the home to step out of the house. They are not allowed to move freely. They are not provided
the freedom of thought and mind.
21
This can also become a cause of inferiority complex. In most of the rural areas of Pakistan the
basic problem starts from the birth of a female baby because it’s a concept in Pakistan that the
birth of a female baby is considered as a bad omen. Females are always considered as a burden
on the family where as the birth of males is always welcomed. Regarding the education when
there are limited funds then the education of boys have always been preferred as compared to
girls. They deal it as a part of business because the male members have to carry out the
expenditures of the whole family whereas the female are considered as a “guest” since after
marriage they will move to the husband’s home. People in rural society stress upon the home
economics only and yet not formal home economics. Further the research paper reveals that
the homes where the female members play the leading role, the females are more educated as
compare to males which females are more educated as to compare to males.
Imran and Saeed ur Rehman(2009), express their research on the impacts of gender inequality
in education. They declare education as the most important instrument for human
development. It has become a universal human right and an important component of
opportunities and empowerment of women. Pakistan exhibits a considerable gender inequality
in education. Strong gender disparities exist in rural and urban areas and in provinces. Pakistan
is a patriarchal society where women suffer all sorts of discrimination resulting in low social
economic and political status.
The higher earnings are related to higher level of education. There are countless issues of
education in Pakistan. The work states low level of investment, poverty, gender and regional
inequalities and high population growth rate. Primary enrollments are on increase but with
creeping speed. There is always a wide gap between enrollments of girls and boys. A gap is
also there between rural and urban enrollments. This indicates the lack of awareness and
economic reasons. Middle enrollment also follows the same trend in statistics although it has
statistical values. The higher earnings are related to higher level of education. There are
countless issues of education in Pakistan. The work states low level of investment, poverty,
gender and regional inequalities and high population growth rate.
Rehanna Siddiqui(2001), in her research paper, discusses the gender dimensions of poverty in
Pakistan. Gender discrimination is a universal phenomenon but its awareness varies across
countries. In Pakistan gender discrimination is a major problem.
22
Women have to ask to the elder members of the house first to go anywhere out of the house.
Still they are struggling to get the freedom of thought and mind. It is also thought that the
women are made only to do the tasks relating to the home and men have to carry out the
finance and the expenditures of the all the members of the home. Therefore in most of the
rural areas of Pakistan women only get the training of tasks relating to the home like cooking.
neglecting the females. We also view sex-segregation as a reason for our low literacy rate. In
the developing country like Pakistan where finance is a major problem, where we are not
strong enough monetarily, we are stressing sex segregated schools. We believe in that the
cultural norms here demand such measures however they should not be considered to an
extent where they become a hurdle. Although the government is doing effort to provide the
segregated schools and colleges for boys and girls but still it’s a problem. If we’ll wait for the
separated schools for the girls we will deprive our generations from the basic right of
education. Why the ratio of the students who are just saying goodbye to school is increasing
because we are not providing the education which can attract the child towards itself. The
supply of female teachers is important to encourage the female education considering the
cultural norms.
Sabina Qureshi(2003/2004) in her study discusses issues related to gender and factors affecting
literacy in Pakistan. The education sector in Pakistan has suffered from persistent and serves
under investment by the government throughout the last five decades. Public spending on
education at present stands at 1.8% of GDP as against 4% Of GNP set forth by UNESCO for
literacy. According to the UNDP, Pakistan is one of 12 countries in the world which spends less
than 2% of GDP on education.
The over-centralized management of the system of education has traditionally maintained

control over financing and decision making with little role for district and local authorities. Until
recent devolution plan, each provincial Department of Education was responsible for service
delivery and decisions including recruitment of teachers, procurement of school furniture and
signing small contracts for school improvement.
23
Even minor disciplinary problem were referred to provincial authorities. Over-centralization

compromised the quality of service delivery by weakening the relationships of accountability
between policy makers, government sector responsible for education, service provider-schools
and clients-parents and students.
Education deprivation and poverty go hand in hand. In Pakistan about one third of the
population is poor and as such one in every there Pakistanis lives below the poverty line.
The incidence of poverty is significantly higher in rural areas. Of the four provinces, Baluchistan
has the lowest average income where as Punjab has the highest per capita income.
Moreover, poverty tends to be concentrated in large families that have few earners, high
dependency ratios, female headed households and families who don’t hold assets. Within the
families, women, elderly and children are the most vulnerable. Much of the poverty is chronic
and almost 70 % of the country’s poor households are the headed by someone who is literate,
elderly or female.
The poverty of opportunity that is of education and health is more pronounced than that of
poverty of income. Evidence shows that the incidence of poverty of opportunity is increasing
for women than men. In the field of health, the inverse sex ratio in Pakistan, 108 males to 10
females is in sharp contrast to global norm.
The literacy gap between male and female that was 19% in 1981 and stands 24% in 1998.It is
very expensive to be poor. One clear manifestation of this truth is that poverty is major barrier
to schooling. It costs about half the annual income of poor rural families to send one child to
primary school for one year.
Education is a basic human right. The UN Charter and constitution of Pakistan lay down equal
provision of education and development opportunities, both for men and women.
Education ensures best start to life but extant custom, traditional ascription of male and female
roles and family restrictions often hold back girls from attending school thus impeding girls to
take best start. In particular, SON PREFERANCE results in a discrimination against daughters.
24
Parents often not see education as a human right but as their discretionary power to send their
daughters to school or not and therefore despite several efforts of the Government of Pakistan
and international development organizations, the female literacy rates is far from equal to
literacy rate is far from equal to literacy rate of males in Pakistan.
Gender imbalance is compounded by the fact that there are fewer schools for girls, ratio of
female teachers and women professionals in education remains very low. Some pocket
improvements have been made to enhance enrollment and participation rate butt still it’s a
long way to achieve equity and equality of educational opportunities for both males and
females.
This study has thoroughly identified the major reasons related to low literacy rate. Though the
scope of the research is wider however the section regarding factors influencing literacy is
completely focused to our research. It is convincing that the author once again reveals the
similar kind of key issues as pointed out by the previous researchers. They include
 Poverty
 Gender issues
 Lack of quality
 Population
 Government issues
While concluding our literature review we direct our research towards the issue of poverty
being a major hurdle in the way of eliminating illiteracy in Pakistan. The second issue
highlighted in all the research works is the gender disparity and inequality these two basic
points would be guiding issues in our research work.
Hypothesis
“Economic and social issues are the core reasons for low literacy in Pakistan”
Null Hypothesis
“Economic and social issues are not the core reasons for low literacy in Pakistan”
25
SURVEY
There were five reasons which we primarily focused upon. These were developed as the ground
for research through previous studies. The researchers and research teams from various
institutions like UNESCO, PIDE and World Bank opined in the favor of these topics. In fact time
and again we found these topics all the way. Our research circle and scope was limited since
being students we had limited resources. These five major causes were tested for public
opinion from various angles.
The survey conducted was with repeated questions surrounding the facts. Gender disparity for
instance was asked once in a straight manner while the other time provision of sex segregated
schools was questioned. This would give respondents a chance to speak clearly about his her
opinion while remaining within scope of our research.
The questionnaire therefore became primary source of our data about public opinion. This was
our direct interaction with the public apart from our opinion poll on social media website
Facebook. The data collected through this was analyzed graphically and tested for its reliability.
In the literature review first we studied the past research papers and tried to get benefit from
them. Keeping all the reasons under consideration we prepared a questionnaire and then
moved towards markets. To get the public opinion we moved in the universities, AL FATAH,
KOH-I-NOOR PLAZA, D-GROUND and a number of places in Faisalabad. Keeping the analysis in
our mind we started taking interviews. We interviewed a number of well known personalities.
For those people which were from far areas, where we couldn’t approach we introduced a
number of questions on the Facebook. In compiling the data we also considered the opinions of
Facebook respondents.
The raw data was compiled into an analyzed one so that conclusions could be drawn. The
interviews were random and mostly detailed. The vision of educationists was revealed to us.
We were able to finally adapt these data resources for analysis.
26
Questionnaire
Information collected will be used for educational purposes only
Name:……………………………………… Age:…………………………………………..Profession:………………………………………
In your opinion what is the most important hurdle in the improvement of literacy rate?
A) Financial Strains B) Lack of Awareness C) Improper Governmental Policies
D) High Population Growth E) Gender Inequality through Social norms.
If financial aid is provided, then student enrollment will increase at primary level.
A) Yes B) No C) Not necessarily
If schools are made available at feasible locations this will increase student enrollment
A) Yes B) No C) It will yet depend on other parameters
Inadequate facilities at school are the major reason for dropout rate of students. Do you agree?
A) Yes B) No C) YES but its not the only contributor
Comments(If C)…………………….......................................................................................................................
Teachers are not being properly trained by Govt., which leads to lack of quality?
A) Yes B) No C) comments……………………………………………………………………………..
Provision of Sex segregated schools in a greater number can bring a high number of pupils to school
A) Yes B) No C) Yes but not only with this
A religious and social awareness campaign is seriously needed against the Gender issues to increase
literacy.
A) Yes B )No, there is enough recognition for women C) Only in certain areas
Provision of free education will be the most important booster for literacy. Do you agree?
A) Yes B) No C) comments………………………………………………………………………..
Importance of education needs to be explained to majority of population. Do you agree?

A )Yes B)No
Population needs to be controlled to properly work on literacy programs. Do you agree?

A) Yes B)No
27
1. What should be the immediate step to improve literacy?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. List major reasons you believe are responsible for low literacy in Pakistan(In the order of
priority)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signature____________________________
Snap Shot of Survey

28
Data analysis
The survey was conducted from variety of professions and people with different income. The
survey was limited to Faisalabad due to limitations of finance and time. The multiple choice
questions were drafted to test public opinion on specific causes. These results are listed as
below.
List the major reasons for low literacy rate in Pakistan or what steps government should take
to improve literacy rate in Pakistan?
Following are the opinions of the majority of the respondents which come out as a result of our
survey. The suggestions of the most of the people are directed in these points.
 Poverty
 Government policies
 Lack of awareness in parents and students
 Lack of training
 Lack of knowledge
 Lack of opportunities
 Adequate facilities
 Low teaching standard
 Media can play its role
 Schools must be at proper places
 Feudalism must be eradicated
 Free education
 Control the corruption
 Women awareness
 No politics in the educational sector
 Importance of education
 Educational system must be changed
 Follow our Urdu language in place of English
29
In your opinion what is the most important hurdle in the improvement of literacy rate?
6%
5%
30%
Financial strains
Lack of awareness
Government policies
38% High population

Gender inequality
22%
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
Financial Lack of Government High gender
staires awareness policies population Inequality
30
Total 100
Financial strains 30
Lack of awareness 22
Improper govt. policies 38
High population growth 05
Gender inequality 06
First question our survey was a comprehensive multiple choice. The back ground of the
question was the literature’s highlighted points. The five key issues that came up in our
literature review were clearly asked to be chosen from. They are
 Financial strains
 Improper government policies
 High population growth
 Gender inequality through social norms
The results were quiet confirmatory for our hypothesis.
 Financial strains 30%

 Lack of awareness 22%
 Improper government policies 38%
 High population growth 05%
 Gender inequality through social norms 06%
Improper government policies were targeted for not being able to alleviate poverty which is the
actual root cause of the low literacy rate. Majority of the respondents were of the opinion that
people are not turning towards education due to lack of finance. However they blamed of
improper policies for this. Therefore the governmental policies were in fact other side of the
picture of financial constraints.
31
If financial aid is provided, then student enrollment will increase at primary level.
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
yes no not necessary
Total 100
Yes 65
No 25
Not necessary 10
This question was in fact another dimension of confirming our finding that financial problems
were containing people from going to schools. This question also reveals whether finance is the
major and foremost cause of not sending children schools. The results really supported the
hypothesis that if finances are available majority can compromise other factors. Other factors
include availability of better facilities and easier access to schools.
32
The results expressed in graph above are very decisive and helped us to evaluate the issue of
financing primary education.
65% of the respondents were of the opinion that yes people would send their children to
schools if financial aid is provided. 25% were of the view that yet other factors would be
effective in deciding. 10% respondents yet opined that financial aid is not the solution since it
would devalue education in the eyes of already ignorant people, especially in rural areas. This
was the argument that majority of negates presented while responding to our questions.
If schools are made available at feasible locations this will increase student enrollment
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
yes no it depends
Total 100
Yes 62
No 16
It depends 22
33
The data speaks for itself. A clear ratio difference of opinion is there. Majority of the
respondents opined in favor of developing schools at feasible and easily accessible places. More
than 20 respondents were of the opinion yet it will depend on other factors. Simple and easy
question was asked with a research background. This was not at all ambiguous in its statistics
which appeared.
Inadequate facilities at school are the major reason for dropout rate of students. Do you
agree?
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
yes no yes(conditional)
Total 100
Yes 56
No 18
Yes (conditional) 26
34
A few respondents were of the opinion that the facilities in primary education sector were quite
adequate however majority considered it to be a cause and a hurdle in bringing pupils to
schools. Majority of the respondents answered while considering government schools. They
were of the view that due to competition, since education has turned into a commercial field,
private schools are providing best possible facilities within different range of fees they charge.
More than 20 surveyed people opined that although the facilities were not enough in schools
yet there were other factors which need attention.
Teachers are not being properly trained by Govt., which leads to lack of quality?
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
yes no
Total 100
Yes 70
No 30
35
70% and 30% ratio was once again clearly in the dimension of teacher training. The question is
another effective scale of views of public about govt. efforts in upgrading the education sector
of Pakistan. People said that not the degree holders, competitive people should be employed in
the sector. The respect of the teachers by the administration should be assured and teaching
should be made into a handsome and dignified profession which it surely deserves to be.
Provision of Sex segregated schools in a greater number can bring a high number of pupils to
school
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
yes no yes(conditional)
Total 100
Yes 37
No 39
Yes (conditional) 24
36
This was the second major issue in our literature view so we constructed a clear question to see
the public opinion. A mixed mind set of the general public came up. Majority of the people
were in the category which thinks that sex segregated schools would not help in improving
school attendance. However yet the results of three options provided reveal that majority of
the people say that there should be sex segregated schools. Yes conditional option means that
there are other factors linked as well.
A religious and social awareness campaign is seriously needed against the Gender issues to
increase literacy.
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No Certain Areas
Total 100
Yes 64
No 09
Certain Areas 27
37
Need for a social and religious campaign is highly felt among the masses. Respondents’ majority
said that there must be a campaign, almost 30% replying it to be needed in only certain areas. A
few respondents were of the opinion that people of Pakistan had enough awareness of the
religion and there were no misconceptions about the religion and education connection.
Provision of free education will be the most important booster for literacy. Do you agree?
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No
Total 100
Yes 79
No 21
38
Provision of free primary education was found to be highly popular among the public. Almost a
ratio of 80% to 20 % was seen. Once again negates of this statement argued on the point that
ignorant population would see education as a devalued thing. This way we will in fact have
another front to fight on.
Importance of education needs to be explained to majority of population. Do you agree?
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No
Total 100
Yes 83
No 17
39
The importance of education yet need s to be explained to majority of the population, pour
survey revealed. People were of the opinion that yet people do not know that a better
educated individual have a greater probability to be employed. Not only employed but well
employed.
Population needs to be controlled to properly work on literacy programs. Do you agree?
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No
Total 100
Yes 75
No 25
40
The population factor was considered to be hurdle in the way of developing a long run policy.
The policy designed for next 5 years or so would not be effective since the flood of population
will surely change demographics. The high difference in the opinion was helpful for us to easily
demonstrate the conclusion. The figure above speaks the results of the survey.
41
Structured Interviews
What is the major root cause of low literacy rate in Pakistan?

According to our interviews the following opinions come as the major root cause of low literacy
rate in Pakistan
 Awareness
 Poverty
 Government policies
 Teacher training
 Punctuality
 Excess of students in the class
According to definition of literacy a person who can read and write his name is a literate
person. Even then 42% of Pakistanis don’t know to write his name. The main reason of our low
literacy is awareness. People are not aware enough. They don’t know the importance of
education. We are still living in the Stone Age. Poverty is considered as the second most reason
because the majority of the citizens have don’t enough finance to bear the expanses of quality
education which also leads to the government policies as the third most reason of low literacy
rate.
An agricultural engineer has quoted
“Pakistani people are not aware. They don’t know the benefits of education”.
Dean of entomology has quoted
“The basic reason of low literacy rate is punctuality. There is no check and balance for the
teachers in the rural areas. The come and go according to their own will. Teacher training is
also a big problem in our rural. They are not trained enough”
42
The strength of students is very high. It is impossible for a teacher to go to every student and
ask him for his problems. Therefore it totally depends upon the tuition which increases the
expenses and it is also a big hurdle for a poor person to carry out the expenses of tuition in to
school.
Do you think there is a need of HEC like body for primary education?
We already have a body like HEC named as director schools and director colleges. So there is no
need to another body like this. The basic thing we need is the implementation. Law itself is not
profitable the implementation of the law makes it effective so basic thing we need is the
implementation. Director schools and director colleges if we are going to make a body like this
it will be just the wastage of money and time. Actually we need the booster for the bodies’
literacy mass education organizations. This booster may help us to increase the literacy rate in
Pakistan.
Gender issues still prevail. What is the solution of this?

According to our interviews the solution which comes in front of us is
 Create awareness
Gender issues can resolve by creating a sense of awareness among the people. We know that in
our developing country we have to work together and stand in the row of developed countries.
So it is the need of our hour to adjust these issues and work for the betterment of our country.
Dean of entomology has quoted
“I m strictly against the female education. First of all majority of the females don’t do job
after completing their education. Secondly after marriage they get the holidays of the
maternity period for three months. After three months they don’t know anything about the
course outlines and the next is just the paper work. They cannot produce results according to
expectations”.
43
What if the universities take a step for primary education?

Dean of entomology agriculture university Faisalabad has quoted
“Still the question arises about implementation. The basic thing is the implementation. If we
can implement it then it will be profitable for us”.
Doctor Engineer M. Irshad has quoted
“Yes, it is good for us. In fact the agriculture university Faisalabad also running some sort of
schools like this named as Laboratory High School Faisalabad”
Head of Department Electrical engineering NFC IE&FR has quoted
“No, I don’t think so it will be good because we don’t know what are the needs and
requirements of the primary level. The people appointed there can handle it more efficiently.
They have enough know how bout it so they can do it in a better way.”
It is need of hour to promote the primary education, to aware the people so according to us
universities should take the initiative in any way.
What changes do you suggest in present HEC culture?

The first thing we need is the implementation. HEC has introduced another thing which is
named as impact factor which is a very positive thing. This leads to the concept that HEC is
working properly and efficiently. There is bit change which we change is the administration. The
administration must be strong to implement the laws.
What are the areas in which government has nothing to do?

According to the reports two kinds of families are not educating their off springs.
 Very royal families

 Very poor families
Royal families are not in the favor of high education. They just want to give their sons the basic
education and then ask them to come into the business. Very poor families are not able enough
to carry out the expenditures of the education.
44
Therefore due to their home conditions they ask their sons to do the job right from the very
first day and this is also the cause of childhood labor.
Dean of entomology Agriculture University Faisalabad has referred to the example of computer
literacy that youth is not supporting it. People are not willing to put effort in it.
45
Findings and Conclusion

After reviewing the opinions from various sectors, conclusively we come to a point that though
core causes exist yet there is a need of massive state-sponsored effort to eliminate illiteracy
from the country. Since the issues related are materialistic and financial therefore we are more
in a need of state sponsored move.
Population growth is a low rated reason for the low literacy rate of Pakistan. We critically
analyzing our research came to a point that poverty gender discrimination and government’s
mismanagement were the most important reasons where government’s role is always in all
other factors. Population growth is a low rated reason for the low literacy rate of Pakistan.
The government is to be the ultimate authority in this regard. If we want a major shift in this
regard we need concrete efforts by government on massive scale. It is quite obvious that
nothing in private sector can fund the vast field of primary education. We therefore think that
without a special effort of state, Pakistan will keep on creeping like it is doing right now.
It is simple to state that there are core issues. They act as hindrance factors in the way of
improving the literacy figures. These are confirmation of our hypothesis. The dimension of
viewing them is changed though.
These factors are clearly economic and social as stated in our hypothesis. Economic constraints
for instance are the real issue. However if we see this comes under the fold of government
responsibility. No other stake holder can be as powerful as government and its effective
policies. Either directly government can eliminate the core reason or the effect of that core
reason can be diluted.
46
Recommendations
After review of our research and analysis of public opinion we recommend some of the vital
steps in this regard. These suggestions are based on consensus.
 Government should launch heavy finance schemes for the education sector. Primarily
focusing on the government schools so that a cheaper education could be provided. This
should be accompanied with transparency in financing schemes so that implementation
could be proper.
 There should state supported social awareness campaign. If such campaigns are not
sponsored at least they should be endorsed. The campaign should have religious
dimension so that gender discrimination and misinterpretation should be curbed. The
campaigns should be on large scale.
 The schools should be restructured as far as the facilities and teacher training are
concerned. There should be consistent mechanism for the teacher refresher courses
and preferably they should be managed locally.
 A national body to monitor primary education should be setup having full authority. The
budget allocations should be greater than 4%.
 Direct sponsor schemes should be launched to improve the facilities in schools. In this
way many organizations can be asked to invest in the education sector.
47
References
Sabina Qureshi(2003 2004), Pakistan: Education and Gender policy Girl’s education:
A lifeline to Development.
Central European University, centre for policy study,
CPS International Fellowship program.
PPAF Media & Communication unit (2005), The World Bank in Pakistan: Country brief
Dorte Verner (2005), What Factors Influence World Literacy? Is Africa Different?
World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 3496. 7-11
Javed Hasan Aly(2007), Education In Pakistan, A White Paper; Document To Debate And Finalize
The National Education Policy. Ministry of Education Pakistan.
Imran Sharif Chaudhry, Saeed-ur-Rahman(2009),The Impact of Gender Inequality in Education

on Rural Poverty In Pakistan: An empirical Analysis, European Journal of Economics, Finance
and Administrative Sciences.
UNESCO Islamabad (2010), Why Gender Equality in Basic Education in Pakistan.

www.unesco.org.pk
Naushin Mahmood(2011;68), The Demographic Dividend: Effects of Population Change on

School Education in Pakistan, Pakistan Institute Of Development Economics Islamabad.
www.pide.org.pk
UNESCO Institute of Statistics (2011), Out of school Children: New Data reveal persistent
Challenges Education for all Global Monitoring Report, UIS Factsheet No. 12.
www.unesco.org.pk
48
Dr. Saqib Shahzad, Riasat Ali, Hukamdad, Safdar Rehman Ghazi, Ms. Uzma Syeda Gillani (2010),
Access and Equity in Basic Education, Asian Social Science
www.ccsenet.org/ass
Munir Ahmad Chooudhry(2005), Pakistan: Where and Who are the World’s Illiterates?,
Background Paper prepared for the Education for All Global Monitoring Report 2006 Literacy
for All. United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization
www.unesco.org.pk
Rana Ejaz Ali Khan, Karamat Ali (01-05), Bargaining over Sons’ and Daughters’ Schooling; Probit
Analysis of Household Behavior in Pakistan
49

Research Project: Causes of Low Literacy Rate in Pakistan

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Research Project

Causes Of Low Literacy Rate In Pakistan

NFC Institute of Engineering & Fertilizer Research

Causes of Low Literacy Rate In Pakistan

7-Findings & Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………………….…..46

Literacy is very effective and important parameter of measuring social development of a

One who can

One who can

1998 54.8% 32.0% 43.9% 63.08% 33.64%

Table below shows the literacy rate of Pakistan by province.

Punjab 20.7% 27.4% 46.6% 59%

Sindh 30.2% 31.5% 45.3% 59%

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 15.5% 16.7% 35.4% 50%

Balochistan 10.1% 10.3% 26.6% 45%

Table below shows the literacy rate of Federally Administered Areas.

Islamabad 47.8% 72.88% 87%

Azad Kashmir 25.7% 55% 62%(2004)

Gilgit-Baltistan 3% (female) 37.85% 53%(2006)

Tribal 6.38% 17.42% 22%

Data collection and sampling:

Naushin Mahmood(2011:68), in a research conducted and compilation of statistics related to

The over-centralized management of the system of education has traditionally maintained

Even minor disciplinary problem were referred to provincial authorities. Over-centralization

Information collected will be used for educational purposes only

Importance of education needs to be explained to majority of population. Do you agree?

Population needs to be controlled to properly work on literacy programs. Do you agree?

1. What should be the immediate step to improve literacy?

Snap Shot of Survey

38% High population

Improper govt. policies 38

High population growth 05

The results were quiet confirmatory for our hypothesis.

 Financial strains 30%

Importance of education needs to be explained to majority of population. Do you agree?

Population needs to be controlled to properly work on literacy programs. Do you agree?

What is the major root cause of low literacy rate in Pakistan?

An agricultural engineer has quoted

Dean of entomology has quoted

Gender issues still prevail. What is the solution of this?

Dean of entomology has quoted

What if the universities take a step for primary education?

Doctor Engineer M. Irshad has quoted

Head of Department Electrical engineering NFC IE&FR has quoted

What changes do you suggest in present HEC culture?

What are the areas in which government has nothing to do?

 Very royal families

Findings and Conclusion

Central European University, centre for policy study,

CPS International Fellowship program.

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 3496. 7-11

Imran Sharif Chaudhry, Saeed-ur-Rahman(2009),The Impact of Gender Inequality in Education

UNESCO Islamabad (2010), Why Gender Equality in Basic Education in Pakistan.

Naushin Mahmood(2011;68), The Demographic Dividend: Effects of Population Change on

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