The Pencils and Erasers Foundation

Over the past decade, Pakistan has made significant strides in improving literacy rates, though the journey remains long and challenging. While literacy is often defined simply as the ability to read and write, its impact is far deeper—it serves as the foundation upon which individuals build their futures. In Pakistan, the path to literacy has been hindered by various obstacles, preventing many children from reaching their full potential.

Despite being home to over 240 million people, Pakistan continues to struggle with high illiteracy rates averaging around 60% with a marked disparity between urban and rural areas. In rural regions, literacy rates are significantly lower, reflecting limited access to education and resources. Furthermore, Pakistan allocates less than 2% of its GDP to education, which further compounds the problem.

The gap in literacy rates is even more pronounced when examined through a gender lens. Recent statistics reveal that 71% of men in Pakistan are literate, compared to just 47% of women. Poverty remains a key barrier to education, particularly for girls in rural and underprivileged areas, where lack of infrastructure, safety concerns, and societal norms often prevent girls from attending school.

The consequences of illiteracy are far-reaching. It perpetuates poverty, deepens social inequality, and stifles economic growth. Illiteracy also denies individuals the ability to understand their rights, seize opportunities, and make informed decisions. For children, the impact is even more devastating, as it robs them not only of their childhood but also of their future potential, condemning them to a life of struggle.

Behind every statistic is a personal story. A young boy in a remote village walks miles each day to attend a school with crumbling classrooms and no teachers. A girl dreams of becoming an engineer, but her aspirations are thwarted because her family cannot afford her education. A laborer in the city struggles to earn a living because he cannot fill out a job application. These are just a few of the countless stories that underscore the reasons why Pakistan’s literacy rate remains a pressing issue.

Yet, despite these challenges, there is hope. In recent years, organizations such as Pencils and Erasers have emerged to help tackle illiteracy and make a tangible difference. However, addressing this issue requires a collective effort. The government, private sector, and NGOs must work together to create lasting solutions that can improve literacy rates across the country.

Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, every girl has the right to stand as an equal, and every voice advocating for education deserves to be heard. Together, we can illuminate the path toward a literate and prosperous future, unlocking Pakistan’s full potential.

Written by Hania Malik

Staff Writer,

Pencils and Erasers