Pakistan has recorded steady progress in educational attainment, with the proportion of people aged 10 years and above who have completed at least primary education increasing to 57 percent in 2024-25, according to official data. Documents available with Wealth Pakistan show that the national primary completion rate has risen from 51 percent in 2018-19 to 57 percent in 2024-25. Among males, the completion rate increased from 61 percent to 65 percent, while the rate for females improved from 42 percent to 48 percent, reflecting gradual gains in access to education for both genders.
Urban and Rural Improvements
Educational outcomes also improved across urban and rural areas. In urban centres, the primary completion rate rose from 66 percent to 68 percent, while rural areas recorded a stronger increase from 42 percent to 49 percent. Rural male completion improved from 54 percent to 60 percent, and rural female completion climbed from 32 percent to 38 percent.
Provincial Progress
Provincial data showed progress across the country. Punjab posted the highest primary completion rate, increasing from 57 percent to 62 percent. Sindh improved from 49 percent to 52 percent, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached 52 percent after rising from 44 percent. Balochistan recorded the largest relative improvement, with its completion rate increasing from 31 percent to 42 percent.
School Participation Gains
The report also highlighted broader gains in school participation. The share of the population aged 10 years and above who had ever attended school increased from 61 percent in 2018-19 to 67 percent in 2024-25. Male attendance rose from 73 percent to 77 percent, while female attendance improved from 50 percent to 57 percent. School participation in rural communities also strengthened, increasing from 53 percent to 59 percent. Rural female attendance recorded notable improvement, reflecting continued efforts to expand educational opportunities and reduce gender disparities.
Literacy Rate and Out-of-School Children
Pakistan’s literacy indicators showed further progress during the review period. The literacy rate among people aged 10 years and above increased from 61 percent to 63 percent. Male literacy reached 73 percent, while female literacy rose to 54 percent, with rural women recording one of the most significant improvements. The documents further noted a decline in the proportion of out-of-school children, which fell from 38 percent in 2023 to 28 percent in 2025. Improvements were recorded across all provinces and regions, indicating continued progress in expanding educational access.
Overall, the latest figures suggest sustained advancements in school participation, literacy, and primary education completion, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s education sector and improve learning outcomes nationwide.
