In 2016, children make up 35 per cent of the total population of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and 93.56 percent were enrolled in primary education. Working toward 100 per cent enrollment, in 2010 the Government of Pakistan adopted amendments to the 1973 Constitution extending the right to social security for all children.
Article 25A of the Constitution addresses the rights of boys and girls, and stipulates that, “the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such a manner as may be determined by law.” This constitutional provision was reinforced by the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, passed by the National Assembly in 2012. This Act outlines the responsibility of the State to establish schools and cover all financial costs in providing equal access to education for both boys and girls. This Act also stipulates the medical and dental inspection of children, enabling the State to more closely monitor the health of boys and girls throughout Pakistan.
Pakistan’s legal framework for free and compulsory education was realised through consensus in the National Assembly, moving toward a rights-based approach. Based on this consensus, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has given itself a strong mandate to provide free and compulsory education to all children regardless of gender and residency status. Through this process lawmakers in Pakistan have acted with conviction to uphold equality and ensure that constitutional and legal provisions upholding the rights of the child form strong legal foundations for the creation of a social protection floor.
Further Reading:
Constitution of Pakistan (1973). Constitution (Twentieth) Amendment Act. Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Access from http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf on December 2016.