Education is a fundamental right of every Pakistani citizen. Under Article 25-A of the Constitution, the state must provide free and compulsory education to all children aged

5 to 16. However, according to a 2023 World Bank report, the state falls short in meeting its obligations, enabling the private sector to establish its own education provision. This insight explores the role of private education, from primary to higher secondary, the gaps that have enabled its quick rise, and the shortcomings within its operation.

The growth of private education in Pakistan stems from public sector shortcomings, offering access but at the cost of quality. Without stronger public provision and regulation, educational disparities will deepen.

Pakistan’s education system comprises three main streams: public, private, and madrassa. Out of 203,411 institutions, the private sector alone accounts for 60,904 institutions, roughly 30% of all schools and 38% of totalstudent enrolment. The graphs in Figure. 1 show that over the past five years, the number of private sector institutions has grown by 4%, accompanied by a 28% rise in enrolment. In contrast, Figure. 2 graphs demonstrate that public sector institutions have expanded by 6%, but their enrolment has declined by 36%.

Figure 1a: Private Sector Institutions

Figure 2a: Public Sector Institutions

Figure 2b: Public Sector Enrolment

Source: Pakistan Education Statistics 2018-24

Figure 3 (graph) shows that public schools are overwhelmingly concentrated at the primary level, responsible for over 90% of provision in some provinces. This leaves a vacuum in secondary and higher-secondary education, where private schools have become the dominant providers. This uneven spread has disrupted educational continuity, resulting in only 16% of students appearing in Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams, as public schooling options become limited.

Figure 3: Distribution across Education Level

Source: Pakistan Education........

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