Pakistan continues to rank lowest in literacy among South Asian countries, with only 63 percent of people aged 10 and above able to read and write, according to a new review by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
The report is based on data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement–Household Integrated Economic Survey (PSLM–HEIS) 2024–2025, along with regional figures from the World Bank.
It shows that Pakistan’s literacy rate has increased only slightly over recent years, rising from 60 percent in 2018–2019 to 63 percent in 2024–2025. This slow progress is concerning, especially for a country with a population of more than 240 million people.
When compared with other South Asian nations, Pakistan remains far behind. The Maldives has the highest literacy rate in the region at 98 percent, followed by Sri Lanka at 93 percent.
India stands at 87 percent, while Bangladesh has reached 79 percent. Nepal records a literacy rate of 68 percent, and Bhutan stands at 65 percent. The average literacy rate across South Asia is 78 percent, which is 15 percentage points higher than Pakistan’s figure.
Experts say the data highlights serious challenges in Pakistan’s education system, including limited access to schools, high dropout rates, gender gaps, and differences between urban and rural areas. They warn that low literacy levels can slow economic growth, reduce job opportunities, and affect social development.
FAFEN has stressed the need for stronger education policies, better funding, and targeted efforts to bring more children and adults into schools. Improving literacy, the report notes, is essential for Pakistan’s long-term progress and for helping its citizens take part more fully in economic and democratic life.
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