ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed alarm at Pakistan’s low literacy rate, stressing that the country’s federal and provincial governments were united in their efforts to promote learning as the international community marks World Literacy Day today. 

Since 1967, annual celebrations of World Literacy Day have taken place on Sept. 8 around the world to remind policymakers, practitioners and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating a more just, peaceful and sustainable society. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, at least 739 million youth and adults worldwide still lacked basic literacy skills in 2024. 

According to the government, Pakistan’s literacy rate stands at 60%. The country grapples with the challenge of 26 million out-of-school children, one of the highest populations of children around the world without access to education. 

“The federal and provincial governments are united in their efforts to promote learning and increase the literacy rate,” Sharif said, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “The primary objective of this national campaign is to ensure that every child not only receives basic education but also has access to higher education, skills, and technical knowledge.”

Sharif said the process of education, training, literacy, and learning is a “continuous struggle to shape the generations of any nation.” He said education should be the foremost priority of every government for the overall and meaningful progress of a country.

He noted that Pakistan’s literacy rate is 60 percent, which is not only below modern global requirements but also lower than other South Asian countries. 

“This alarming situation reminds us that, as a nation, we must prioritize education and take every possible step to open the path of collective progress for our children, youth, and society,” he added. 

The Pakistani premier stressed the importance of the people’s support, urging teachers, parents, and citizens to recognize their responsibility and play a vital role in promoting education.

“Let us today reaffirm our commitment, as a nation, to dispel the darkness of illiteracy with the light of knowledge and lay the foundation of a strong, capable, and developed Pakistan,” he added.