Islamabad: Just over half of Pakistani children between the ages of 5 and 17 are enrolled in school, with urban children slightly more likely to attend than their rural counterparts, a recent survey has revealed. The study indicates that the majority of enrolled children are in primary grades, highlighting the need for enhanced educational policies to encourage progression into higher education levels.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the survey was part of a series conducted by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan aimed at understanding the school landscape in the country. The survey found that 53% of parents reported having at least one child attending school. The study, which sampled 1,415 married men and women across urban and rural areas, was conducted via telephonic surveys between March 18 and March 31, 2026. The results, with a margin of error of ± 2-3 percent, underscore the challenge of school enrollment for a significant portion of the population.

Among children attending school, 52% are in primary grades, while the remaining are distributed across pre-school, middle, and secondary levels. The findings suggest a critical focus area for policymakers to facilitate the transition of students from primary to middle and secondary education, thereby strengthening their educational foundation and future learning opportunities.