Starlink and 22.8 million dreams

Pakistan’s education system faces serious challenges, with 22.8 million children out of school — the second largest out-of-school population in the world.

Even among those enrolled, achieving basic literacy and numeracy remains a struggle, particularly in rural areas where schools are under-resourced and understaffed. The literacy rate in rural regions stands at just 51 per cent, compared to 74 per cent in urban areas, highlighting the stark disparity in access to education.

Given these challenges, alternative learning methods are essential. One such approach is independent learning, which can be significantly enhanced through internet access. The internet has the potential to revolutionise education, particularly in rural areas, by providing students with supplementary resources. Free courses, interactive tools and vast digital libraries allow students to reinforce lessons, explore new subjects and take charge of their education in ways traditional schooling often cannot.

Of course, some may argue that internet access alone is not enough to fix Pakistan’s education system. Teacher training, curriculum reform and student motivation are equally crucial. While this is true, internet access serves as a powerful tool to supplement these efforts rather than replace them. Digital resources can support teachers with updated teaching materials, help students engage with interactive learning, and expose them to global educational standards. Access to online content can also spark curiosity and self-motivation, encouraging students to take charge of their own learning.

Having taught in rural Islamabad and witnessed my younger sisters’ transition from erstwhile Fata to Islamabad, I have seen firsthand how internet access can transform learning. Many of my students, overwhelmed by overcrowded classrooms and outdated materials, discovered new ways to learn through online platforms. Some turned to YouTube for math tutorials, while others explored science experiments they had only read about in textbooks.

My younger sisters, both in primary school, quickly adapted to independent learning, using online resources for math, science, and even creative skills like sketching. The ability to access knowledge beyond their school curriculum empowered them in ways traditional education never could.

While internet penetration in Pakistan has grown to 50 per cent, a significant digital divide persists between urban and rural areas. Cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi enjoy fast and reliable internet, while many rural regions still struggle with limited or no connectivity. For students in these areas, stable internet access could be a transformative lifeline.

The Covid-19 pandemic, despite its challenges, accelerated digital learning in Pakistan. As schools closed, the government introduced platforms like TeleSchool and the eTaleem Portal to help students continue their education from home. Beyond these official resources, many Pakistani students turned to YouTube channels in Hindi. Thanks to the linguistic similarities between Urdu and Hindi, students found it easy to follow educational videos on subjects like science and mathematics. This shift proved that online education is not merely a crisis-response measure but a viable long-term solution for bridging Pakistan’s urban-rural education gap.

Now, there’s even more hope on the horizon. SpaceX, through its Starlink initiative, is working with the government of Pakistan to launch satellite internet services across the country. This partnership could be a game-changer, bringing high-speed connectivity to remote regions without the need for costly infrastructure. Millions of students who currently lack internet access could soon explore digital learning resources, breaking the barriers imposed by geography and infrastructure. By reducing the digital divide, this initiative has the potential to create opportunities where none previously existed, empowering Pakistan’s youth regardless of their socio-economic background.

The bottom line is simple: for Pakistan to thrive in the 21st century, we must embrace technology as an equaliser. Providing reliable internet access to students nationwide is the first step in transforming education. With Starlink’s help, Pakistan could enter a new era of self-paced, accessible, and equitable learning for all. Imagine a future where every student in Pakistan has the power to learn, grow and build their dreams — without the obstacles that hold them back today.

This is more than just a vision - it is an attainable reality, within our grasp. Pakistan should seize this opportunity and harness the internet’s potential to empower the next generation. The future of education in Pakistan depends on it.

The writer is the founder of digital innovation firm Clicknics.com, and writes about technology, its impact and the world it’s shaping.