Enrollment Imperative.

The recent revelation from the Education Minister that the number of out-of-school children (OSC) in the country has surged past a staggering 28 million is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in the education sector. This figure is not only shocking but also places Pakistan among the countries with the highest number of OSC globally. This disheartening revelation should serve as a wakeup call for policymakers and the entire nation to act towards reversing this distressing trend.

The federal cabinet previously approved a roadmap for bringing OSC back into the education system, but regrettably, the practical implementation of this plan has been lacking. The rise in the number of OSC underscores the inefficiency of our previous efforts. We now find ourselves trailing behind many other countries, making it imperative to launch an education emergency to enroll more children in schools.

The issue of OSC in Pakistan is a multifaceted problem. Poverty and a lack of awareness have been significant barriers to education, forcing many children to contribute to family income by engaging in labor work. Unless we address these underlying issues, even the most well-intentioned enrollment efforts will be in vain.

To resolve this crisis, increased investment in the education sector is fundamental. Currently...