Over three million children in Balochistan are not enrolled in schools, and the government is committed to addressing parents’ concerns to bring these children into educational institutions.
This was stated by Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani during the launch of the National Achievement Test (NAT) by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) on Thursday.
She emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling for urgent corrective measures.
This revelation is part of a troubling national context, as Pakistan is one of the countries with the highest number of out-of-school children globally, exceeding 26 million. Balochistan, where an education emergency has been declared, reflects this broader national crisis. Despite attempts to enforce Article 25-A of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 16, the situation remains critical.
The minister identified the high number of out-of-school children as the foremost challenge for the current government in Balochistan.
“We are committed to ensuring maximum enrollment,” she asserted, expressing frustration over the lack of action on proposed solutions, such as solarizing government-run schools to protect children from extreme weather conditions.
The recommendations aimed at creating a more favorable learning environment have yet to receive cabinet approval.
The minister voiced particular concern about the rising number of out-of-school girls in the province, describing the trend as ‘alarming’.
In response, the government has decided to provide transportation facilities to girls, aiming to reduce dropout rates and enhance access to education.
The NAT, conducted biennially, assesses students in Grades 4 and 8 across various subjects. The 2023 survey results for Balochistan showed that 4th graders scored an average of 40 percent in math, while 8th graders averaged 31 percent. Scores in English and Urdu were slightly better, with averages above 50 percent, consistent with national averages.
Director General of PIE, Dr. Shahid Soroya, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Balochistan Assessment and Examination Commission (BAEC) and the School Education Department, Government of Balochistan.
