Universal education in Pakistan: A perpetually elusive goal?

Abstract

The achievement of universal primary education has been an official objective in Pakistan almost since the country was founded in 1947. Since that time, however, the date for the realization of that goal has had continually to be postponed. The most recent policy document aspires to achieve universal enrolment of male children by 1986 - 1987 and of female by 1992. This paper surveys current trends in the primary sector and includes discussion of the mosque and mohallah schools through which it is planned to increase coverage. Obstacles to educational expansion are examined before an opinion is finally expressed on whether the present target dates are likely to prove realistic. In this last, the article is not optimistic. © 1983 Martinus Nijhoff.