Key Developments 2025
Key Developments 2025: As the year ends, it is important to review key changes in Pakistan’s education sector. Many small projects continue, but only large reforms can create real impact. The number of out-of-school children has increased from 25 million to about 26 million. This rise comes despite the government declaring an “education emergency.” Public spending on education remains very low at 0.8 percent of GDP. Instead of increasing funding, the government has asked private companies to donate one percent of their profits. This approach cannot replace proper public investment in education.
Education Reform
Some positive changes have taken place. The Inter Boards Coordination Commission has increased flexibility in secondary education. SSC and HSSC students can now choose individual subjects instead of fixed groups. Students moving to HSSC are no longer bound by their SSC subject choices. Arts students can now shift to medical or engineering tracks with extra preparation. This reform recognises that teenagers often cannot decide their future careers early.
School Privatisation
Punjab has moved ahead with school privatisation. The government has transferred the management of 12,500 public primary and middle schools to private organisations. It plans to shift another 4,500 schools next, including 70 inter colleges. Authorities have moved students from low-enrolment schools to nearby ones. They have transferred teachers or placed them in surplus pools. Teacher unions oppose these steps. However, public schools have failed for decades to deliver quality education. The government needed a major change, and the results now need close monitoring.
Sindh Reforms
Sindh has chosen a different path. The provincial government has announced IGCSE and A-level streams in one public school in each district. It aims to raise quality by introducing international standards in public education.
The government has also discussed bringing education back under federal control. Officials raised this idea during talks on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, but it did not pass. Reports now suggest a possible 28th amendment. It may focus on changes to the NFC award and recentralising education. Provinces may resist funding changes. However, they may accept federal control over curriculum due to weak progress since the 18th Amendment.
Visa Restrictions
Students planning to study abroad now face stricter visa rules. In the US, new international student enrolment dropped by 17 percent for Fall 2025. Policy changes caused this decline. In the UK, several universities have reduced or stopped admissions from Pakistan. Universities risk penalties if visa rejection rates exceed five percent. Since Pakistani applicants often face higher rejection rates, many genuine students now suffer because of misuse by a few.
Artificial intelligence has advanced rapidly in 2025. Education experts and institutions still disagree on how to use AI in learning. Despite this, some officials believe AI will solve all education problems. They have chosen to wait instead of planning reforms.
HEC Leadership
Leadership changes in higher education also continued to create noise. Each change at the Higher Education Commission triggered speculation. Reports say the shortlist for the new chair includes three candidates. An announcement is expected soon. As the year ends, there is hope that the next phase will focus on real reform rather than drama.
Published in Dawn, 25th December 2025
