The federal budget of Pakistan for 2024-2025 has allocated Rs103.781 Billion for education, which was Rs103.684 billion before. Showing only an increase of 0.9%, which is less than one percent to education, continuing a troubling trend of decreasing educational funding year after year. Meanwhile, much larger portions of the budget are going to defense which is 17.5%, infrastructure development 29% and debt services 65% increase this year. This big difference in budget allocation shows that national priorities are not in the right place. Education is essential for a thriving nation, driving economic growth, social progress, and global competitiveness. It gives people important skills, encourages innovation, and fosters civic responsibility. Ignoring education weakens these benefits and traps the country in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. Pakistan’s economy is already in deficit and facing high inflation, neglecting education and prioritizing other sectors will push Pakistan into deeper poverty. Pakistan must realize that education is the only way out for nations dealing with poverty and inflation.
According to the report of Think Tank Tabadlab, Pakistan is grappling with a severe education crisis, with 26 million children out of school and 43 million children who are in school but not learning effectively. Higher education is also in dire straits due to insufficient funding, leading to a decline in quality, and a shortage of qualified staff, making it challenging for universities to attract and retain top talent. This situation has damaged the sector’s reputation both at home and abroad. Around 25 million Pakistanis are of university-going age (18-23), yet only 2 million, or a paltry 8%, are enrolled in higher education institutions, one of the lowest rates globally. Among those who do graduate, a staggering one in three are unemployed. The government failure to provide adequate education is alarming. Higher education is vital for empowering youth and driving societal progress. Countries like India have understood this, they have been investing in institutions like IITs and reaping the benefits in their IT sector. Pakistan urgently needs to re-evaluate its educational priorities to prevent further entrenchment in the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Furthermore, the termination and scarcity of scholarships in Pakistan for higher education, coupled with delays in disbursing foreign scholarships to students studying abroad, are deepening the country’s education crisis. These issues are denying talented students the opportunity to pursue advanced studies, both domestically and internationally, which hinders their academic and professional growth. Without adequate financial support, many deserving students are left without access to quality education while exacerbating inequality and limiting the nation’s intellectual and economic potential
The high cost of education and reduced budget allocation in Pakistan are crippling the country’s educational system. The government is failing to provide quality education, while private universities charge exorbitant fees due to inflation. Scholarships that once supported deserving students have been terminated, leaving many unable to afford even government college fees. For example, Quaid-e-Azam University charges Rs121,020 per semester, Government College (GCU) Rs150,000 per year, and Agha Khan University Rs1,564,600 excluding additional fees. National University of Science and Technology (NUST) charges Around Rs120,000 per semester. Top institutions like LUMS, PIDE, PIEAS, and UET Lahore also charge substantial fees per semester. With such high costs, students struggle to pursue their BS, Master’s, and PhD degrees. If budget cuts continue, Pakistan will lose its intellectuals and talented individuals, as the high cost of education makes it inaccessible for many students who are left without guidance, innovation, or job prospects.
Furthermore, students from backward areas of provinces like Balochistan and KPK, who used to pursue their education in developed cities for better opportunities, now cannot afford these institutions due to high fees. The cost of living in another city and unemployment on top of that has completely crippled them, making them the most affected by this situation. The exclusion of scholarships has left them with no options for higher education. On top of this, the inflation and economic conditions of Pakistan are making things worse. Education for youth is crucial, as they are the hope for the future, but without education, they will have no future for themselves or for Pakistan.
Pakistan urgently needs to prioritize education by increasing its budget allocation, Currently, less than 1% increase in the total budget goes to education. Bringing back and expanding scholarships for fair access to higher education, and making rules to control tuition fees, will make it easier for students to afford their education. Establishing specialized education hubs in underserved regions such as Balochistan and KPK by fostering public-private partnerships for educational innovation are crucial. These measures, supported by strong monitoring and advocacy are vital for empowering youth, driving economic growth, and fostering social development in Pakistan.
