Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 emphasizes on 'ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all'. These infographics have been developed by extracting data on key SDG 4 indicators from the 'Pakistan SDG Status Report 2021' to track progress and provide a comprehensive overview of each indicator.
A sharp decrease in the rate of completion can be observed as one proceeds from the primary to higher levels. The rate of completion at the primary is 67%, 59% at the lower secondary and 23% at the upper secondary level. Participation in organized learning (one year before the official primary entry age) by sex is quite low with the rate being fairly equal for both sexes at national and provincial levels.
50% of females and 70% of males are literate in the country while the overall national literacy rate is 60% which is quite alarming. Improvement in gender parity in net enrolments at primary, middle and matric levels can be observed, however, large disparities and shortcomings persist in the provision of basic services like drinking water, sanitation and electricity to schools across the country.
Inferences drawn from the data paint a bleak picture and identify a need for strong reforms to improve the educational landscape of the country. Pakistan needs committed leadership and increased investments to improve the infrastructure and facilities in schools. Collaborative efforts are required to increase enrolments and retention rates at all levels. Only through these efforts the disparities and deficiencies towards the attainment of SDG 4 - Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education for All can be bridged.