Punjab retains highest literacy rate at 68% as Pakistan’s overall literacy improves to 63%, though gender and rural-urban disparities remain significant.
ISLAMABAD: Punjab maintained its position as Pakistan’s most literate province during FY2025-26, recording an overall literacy rate of 68%, while the country’s national literacy rate improved to 63%, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26.
The survey, based on findings from the Population and Housing Census 2025 conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), showed continued progress in educational attainment across the country. However, it also highlighted persistent gender disparities and a wide literacy gap between urban and rural areas.
National literacy rate improves
According to the Economic Survey, Pakistan’s literacy rate for the population aged 10 years and above increased from 61% in 2022-23 to 63% in 2024-25.
Male literacy rose significantly from 68% to 73%, while female literacy increased only marginally from 53% to 54%, indicating that the gender gap in education remains a major challenge.
Rural literacy improved from 52% to 55%, whereas urban literacy remained unchanged at 74%.
Punjab leads provincial rankings
Punjab continued to top the provincial literacy rankings, with its overall literacy rate increasing from 66% to 68%.
Within the province:
• Male literacy increased from 72% to 75%.
• Female literacy improved from 60% to 62%.
• Rural literacy rose from 58% to 61%.
• Urban literacy edged up from 77% to 78%.
The latest figures reinforce Punjab’s position as the country’s leading province in educational attainment.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa records strongest improvement
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa posted one of the most notable gains among the provinces, with its overall literacy rate climbing from 51% to 58%.
The province recorded substantial improvements across most indicators:
• Male literacy increased from 65% to 76%.
• Female literacy rose from 37% to 43%.
• Rural literacy improved from 48% to 57%.
• Urban literacy increased from 66% to 69%.
The data suggests significant progress in expanding access to education across the province.
Sindh’s literacy rate remains unchanged
Sindh’s overall literacy rate remained unchanged at 58%, although the survey revealed mixed trends across demographic groups.
Male literacy improved from 64% to 68%, while female literacy declined from 50% to 47%.
Rural literacy increased slightly from 38% to 39%, whereas urban literacy remained steady at 72%.
Balochistan continues to lag behind
Balochistan remained the province with the lowest literacy rate despite recording an improvement in overall educational attainment.
Its literacy rate increased from 42% to 49%, supported by gains in male and rural literacy.
The province recorded:
• Male literacy rising from 51% to 65%.
• Female literacy declining slightly from 33% to 31%.
• Rural literacy increasing from 36% to 43%.
• Urban literacy improving from 56% to 61%.
Despite the gains, the figures underscore the continuing educational challenges facing Pakistan’s largest province by area.
Urban-rural and gender gaps persist
The Economic Survey highlights that literacy levels remain considerably higher in urban centres than in rural areas, reflecting unequal access to educational opportunities.
Nationally, urban literacy stood at 74%, compared with 55% in rural areas.
The survey also points to the persistent gender gap, with female literacy remaining well below male literacy across most provinces, underscoring the need for targeted policies to improve girls’ education and educational access in underserved regions.
The latest literacy estimates provide an updated snapshot of educational attainment in Pakistan and indicate gradual progress, while emphasising the importance of continued investment in education to address regional and gender-based disparities.