According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the World Bank, Pakistan allocates approximately 1.5-2.0% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education, among the lowest levels in South Asia. In comparison, India invests around 4.1-4.6%, Bangladesh approximately 2.3-2.8%, Sri Lanka around 3-4%, while China spends roughly 4% of GDP on education. Many advanced economies, including Finland, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, generally invest between 4.5% and 7% of GDP, enabling modern infrastructure, teacher training, research, laboratories, and digital learning opportunities.

The consequences of inadequate investment are visible across Pakistan. Thousands of schools lack electricity, laboratories, libraries, internet connectivity, clean drinking water, and qualified teachers. Higher education institutions often struggle with limited research funding, outdated equipment, and insufficient collaboration with industry. As a result, many graduates possess theoretical knowledge but lack practical, technical, communication, and problem-solving skills demanded by modern employers.

Another major concern is the persistent mismatch between education and employment. Pakistan produces thousands of graduates every year, yet employers frequently report shortages of job-ready professionals. Universities often emphasise lectures and written examinations while giving comparatively less attention to internships, entrepreneurship, industrial placements, project-based learning, digital literacy, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and communication skills. Consequently, graduate unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges despite increasing numbers of degree holders.

Pakistan possesses one of the world’s youngest populations, representing a tremendous demographic opportunity. However,........

© Daily Times