akistan faces a dire education crisis, particularly evident in the alarming number of children out of school. This issue is deeply entrenched in a web of complex factors, each demanding attention and action. From poverty to cultural norms and inadequate infrastructure to gender disparities, the hurdles are numerous and intertwined. To truly address this crisis, Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses governmental initiatives, community involvement, infrastructure investments, poverty alleviation efforts and a cultural shift towards valuing education, especially for girls.

One of the primary challenges is poverty. Many families, struggling to meet their basic needs, prioritise survival over education. Children are often compelled to work to provide family incomes, relegating schooling to a distant dream. Moreover, cultural and social norms, particularly prevalent in rural and conservative areas, perpetuate gender disparities in education. Girls, in particular, face daunting barriers, as traditional beliefs deem their education less valuable than that of boys.

The inadequacy of education infrastructure further exacerbates the crisis. Remote regions, in particular, suffer from a lack of proper school buildings, classrooms and sanitation facilities, rendering access to education, a logistical nightmare. Even when schools are accessible, the quality of education is often subpar due to outdated teaching methods, a shortage of trained teachers and a curriculum that fails to engage students or equip them with relevant skills.

To combat these challenges effectively, Pakistan must undertake comprehensive reforms. Firstly, increased investment in education is paramount. Historically, Pakistan has allocated insufficient funds to education, resulting in a dearth of resources and poor quality of instruction. Additionally, infrastructure development is crucial, especially in underserved areas, to ensure that every child has access to a learning-conducive environment.

Addressing the intersection of climate change and education is imperative to safeguard the right to education for all children, ensure resilience in the face of environmental challenges and foster sustainable development for future generations.

Investing in teacher training programmes and recruiting qualified educators, particularly in rural areas, is essential to improving instructional quality. Moreover, curriculum reform is imperative to align education with the needs of a modern workforce, emphasising critical thinking, problem-solving and practical skill development.

Efforts to promote gender equality are indispensable. Policies and programmes must address cultural and societal barriers that hinder girls’ education, providing incentives and ensuring safety and security for female students and teachers. Moreover, community engagement plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture that values education for all.

Addressing poverty and socioeconomic barriers is also critical. Poverty alleviation programmes can mitigate economic obstacles to education, while initiatives to improve access, such as building more schools and providing transportation facilities, can ensure that no child is left behind.

In addition to the existing challenges, Pakistan’s education sector is increasingly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, disrupt schooling activities, damage infrastructure and displace communities, exacerbating the already precarious situation for many children. Addressing the intersection of climate change and education is imperative to safeguard the right to education for all children, ensure resilience in the face of environmental challenges and foster sustainable development for future generations.

To catalyze change, Pakistan must embrace a holistic approach to education reform. This entails strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, fostering public-private partnerships, promoting digital learning, and prioritising technical and vocational education. By implementing these strategies cohesively, Pakistan can pave the way towards a brighter future, where every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential through education. The time for action is now.

The writer is the International Rescue Committee country director in Pakistan