Pakistan's Education Delivery System Faces Severe Dysfunction, Report Reveals

The 2023 District Education Performance Index Report exposes the dysfunction in Pakistan's education system, with all 134 districts underperforming. Released by the UK High Commissioner and Planning Minister, the report highlights poor governance, inadequate financing, and critical gaps in learning outcomes.

The 2023 District Education Performance Index Report has laid bare the significant dysfunctions plaguing Pakistan's education delivery system, revealing severe underperformance across all 134 districts, The Express Tribune has reported. Launched by UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the report underscores that citizens are entering the job market with minimal or no education.

The findings indicated a widespread shortfall in learning outcomes and public financing. According to The Express Tribune, the performance indicators showed Pakistan's map predominantly red, reflecting a critical issue that many consider more urgent than the ongoing economic crisis. The report categorized all districts, except Islamabad, as either medium or low-performing, attributing the shortcomings to poor governance and substandard learning outcomes.

A significant statistic from the report is that none of the districts achieved a high-performing rating, with an average score of 53.46. This score signifies a deeply dysfunctional education system in dire need of reform. The underperformance is particularly dire in Balochistan and Sindh, with Balochistan facing severe challenges across nearly all sectors. The report also highlighted critical deficiencies in internet connectivity, numeracy and reading skills, and inadequate infrastructure, pointing to a massive gap that needs urgent attention.

(With inputs from agencies.)