ISLAMABAD — A government-linked education report has found that 77% of 10-year-old children in Pakistan cannot read and understand a simple text, highlighting persistent challenges in foundational learning across the country.

The finding appears in the executive summary of Public Financing in Education 2025–26, a 171-page report released by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.

According to the report, Pakistan continues to face significant gaps in access to quality education and student learning outcomes. It notes that many children struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills despite years of schooling.

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The document references data from the National Achievement Test (NAT) and the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), both of which point to ongoing learning deficits in primary education.

Researchers say improving education financing alone is not sufficient unless spending priorities are better aligned with teacher quality, learning materials, and assessment systems.

The report also highlights the impact of external disruptions on the education sector. It cites the 2022 floods as a major setback that damaged thousands of schools and interrupted education for millions of children.

The PIE analysis reviews education financing trends from 2019–20 to 2023–24, examining both funding levels and how resources are distributed between the federal government and provinces.

It also raises concerns about the number of out-of-school children and notes that Pakistan’s education spending remains below international benchmarks recommended for developing countries.