Literacy is the ability to read and write. It is a basic skill and a foundation for lifelong learning, critical thinking, and active citizenship. Literacy is one of the important instruments for equipping people with minimum knowledge and skills that can help individuals to contribute effectively to the socio-economic development of the country. Islam has also given immense importance to acquiring literacy. In Islam, the acquisition of knowledge has been made obligatory for all believing men and women on an individual basis. For this reason, Allah has declared the "pen" (the knowledge of letters/literacy) as the main vehicle of knowledge. Allah says in Quran:

 

"Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen."

 

Situation of Literacy in Pakistan

At present, Pakistan is facing a significant challenge in achieving universal literacy with around 67 million illiterate individuals and 5.06 million out of school children of primary age (5-9) in the country. According to the Census 2023 data the overall literacy rate of the country is 60.6% (Male: 68 Female: 52.8), meaning that a significant portion of its population is unable to read and write. This low literacy level not only limits individual opportunities but also undermines national growth and prosperity. Furthermore, it is a matter of great concern that the literacy rate of Pakistan is almost static since 2011. Such an alarming trend in literacy needs immediate national response to the issue.

 

Analysis by geographic area reveals that the literacy rates in rural areas are much lower than those of urban areas. Similarly, females have lower literacy than males in both rural and urban areas. While there appears to be a narrowing male-female disparity over time, Pakistan's overall literacy rate has remained stagnant at around 60% since 2011.

 

Stagnant Literacy Rate since 2011: Pakistan’s literacy rate has almost been stagnant around 58-60% since 2011. Nearly half of the country’s women population is illiterate. Similarly, literacy rate of rural population is lower than urban areas. 

 

Regional Comparison in South Asia: It is also a matter of serious concern that Pakistan is the least literate country in South Asia after Afghanistan as depicted in the following graphics regarding youth literacy in South Asia issued by UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS).

 

Declining Trend in HDI Ranking: The human development index (HDI) is a major indicator of a country’s socio economic development in the community of nations.  Unfortunately, Pakistan falls in the category of low human development countries with a trend of falling HDI ranking. In 2019 Pakistan HDI ranking was 150 (out of 189 countries) and now, it is 164 out of 193 countries.

 

Growing Number of Illiterates in Pakistan: The number of illiterate individuals in Pakistan has continued to rise alongside the modest increase in literacy rates, primarily due to low participation rates in primary education and the absence of significant adult literacy and non-formal education initiatives. Since 1951, the number of illiterates has tripled from 22 million to 55 million by 2010. By 2017, the size of the illiterate population had further escalated to 64 million. At present, the illiterate population is approximately 67 million.

 

National Obligations to Promote Literacy

Promoting literacy in the country is our constitutional obligation, under the articles 37-b and 25-A. Under article 37b of the constitution of Pakistan it is the state’s responsibility to remove illiteracy in the country and provide free and compulsory education within minimum possible period.

 

 

 

Pakistan is signatory to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with other countries. Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 relates to education, literacy and lifelong learning.

 

 

Literacy Act 1987

Literacy Ordinance (XXVII) of 1985 was enacted by the Parliament in 1987. According to this Act, a driving license, an arms license, or a passport (other than Hajj passport) and employment in the federal government institutions will be given only to a literate person.

 

ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

 

The Adult Literacy program is designed to impart basic literacy and numeracy to adult illiterates aged 15-45 years. Moreover, learners are trained in life skills as well as income generating activities. The program follows an approved syllabus and textbooks are designed for easy learning and functionality.

Key Features of Literacy Program

• Follows an approved Curriculum and well-designed syllabus of four books.
• Comprehensive pre-service and on-job training of literacy teachers and supervisors.
• Focuses on women and highly marginalized segments of the society.
• Centers are established after a rigorous social mobilization process.
• Integration of life skills develops citizenship, gender sensitivity, health, ethics, …
• Training in livelihood skills to enhance income generation prospects of the learners
• A periodic assessment system in addition to the baseline of the learners.
• A robust supervision, monitoring and reporting system.

EACH ONE TEACH ONE INITIATIVE

                                                           

The "Each One Teach One” initiative is part of the Prime Minister’s directives on Education Emergency spearheaded by the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, aimed at eradicating illiteracy and empowering citizens across Pakistan. Under the aegis of the National Commission for Human Development and in accordance with the Literacy Act 1987, the EOTO initiative aims to engage students from grade 9 to Ph.D. level in both public and private educational institutions as teachers, imparting basic literacy and numeracy skills to one illiterate individual each within their communities.

 

Salient Features of EOTO Initiative

1. Engaging Students: Students from Grade 9 and above in schools, colleges, and universities are designated as Literacy Teachers, with each student responsible for teaching at least one illiterate individual.
2. Prescribed Literacy Syllabus: The initiative is implemented following a prescribed literacy syllabus approved by the Ministry of Education comprising of Urdu and Math books including Teachers Guide.
3. Duration of the Literacy Course: The duration of the literacy course is 12 weeks with 60-90 minutes of daily teaching and learning class.
4. Incentive for Students: As an incentive to the participating students, 10 additional marks will be awarded by FBISE and other boards, whereas, the Universities being autonomous organization can incentivize students as per their policies. 
5. Benefits for New-Literates: In addition to the benefits of being literate, the neo-literate persons can avail access to essential documents such as passport, driving licenses, arms license etc.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN LITERACY

 

• NCHD received UNESCO International Literacy Award in 2006 in recognition of its outstanding work to promote literacy in Pakistan.
• Government of Pakistan declared NCHD as a national lead agency and certifying authority in the field of Literacy and NFE.
• Established over 177, 730 adult literacy centers across the country.
• Imparted basic literacy and numeracy skills to around 4 million illiterate persons since 2002.
• Trained around 177,800 literacy teachers and 17770 supervisors in adult literacy, social mobilization, management of literacy centers etc.
• Developed more than 100 booklets and primers on literacy, practical life skills, and income generating activities.
• Established the National Literacy Resource Center in Islamabad with the help of UNESCO.
• NCHD successfully implemented several innovative projects in the field of literacy and skill development including Mobile based literacy program, Community learning centers, Literacy centers in jails.
• Developed educational video lessons for teaching and learning of basic literacy and numeracy.
• Successfully implemented the pilot phase of “Each One Teach One” literacy initiative in Islamabad as part of Education Emergency in the country declared by Prime minister of Pakistan.