ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif marked International Literacy Day by reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the global community in recognising education as a driver of social progress and economic growth.
In a statement, Sharif said literacy was not simply the ability to read and write but “the foundation on which nations build their strength and chart a path towards a brighter future.” He described education as a “continuous struggle to shape generations” and urged that it remain the government’s foremost priority.
According to official Census 2023 data, Pakistan’s literacy rate stands at 60.6 percent – with male literacy at 68 percent and female literacy at 52.8 percent. This remains lower than the global average and trails behind several South Asian neighbours.
Sharif noted that the pursuit of knowledge is deeply rooted in Islam and was emphasised by Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said federal and provincial governments were working together to expand access not only to basic education but also to higher studies, vocational training and technical skills, in order to prepare younger generations for modern challenges.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that the government cannot achieve this alone. “Teachers, parents, and every citizen have a duty to play their part,” he said, urging collective responsibility to combat illiteracy.
He concluded by calling on Pakistanis to “dispel the darkness of illiteracy with the light of knowledge.”
