Islamabad, March 26 (NationPress) Over 14,343 out of 19,808 schools that were impacted by the catastrophic 2022 floods in Sindh, Pakistan, are still pending restoration, according to local media reports referencing official statistics. Approximately 2,268 schools were entirely obliterated, while 3,197 experienced partial damage during the calamity. To date, the government has initiated the rebuilding and rehabilitation of 5,465 schools via provincial, federal, and donor-funded initiatives, leaving 14,343 schools still in need of repair, as reported by Pakistan's prominent daily, Pakistan Observer.

The report emphasizes that Pakistan is grappling with a severe educational crisis, with millions of children currently out of school due to a variety of social, economic, and infrastructural challenges. The ongoing delays in the restoration of the flood-affected schools in Sindh exacerbate this predicament, denying countless children their fundamental right to education.

"It is alarming that nearly four years have elapsed since the devastating floods, yet a significant number of schools remain in disrepair. The extent of reconstruction achieved thus far is woefully inadequate compared to the demands of the situation, and this cannot be overlooked. Education serves as the cornerstone of any progressive society. Each day that a school remains closed is a day lost for children who are already struggling to access basic educational opportunities. The Sindh government must urgently prioritize the completion of all damaged schools," stated Pakistan Observer.

Additionally, around 28 percent of children in Pakistan, aged 5-16 years, are out of school. Alarmingly, the impact is disproportionately felt by girls, with 34 percent of them not enrolled in educational institutions, compared to 22 percent of boys, as reported by local media.

These disparities are particularly pronounced in the rural areas of Pakistan, especially for girls, where educational exclusion is more prevalent, highlighting how gender and geography hinder educational access.

According to a recent report by The Express Tribune, two-thirds of Pakistanis aged 10 years and above have attended school at some point, yet access to education remains highly unequal. The national literacy rate in Pakistan stands at 63 percent, with male literacy at 73 percent and female literacy at 52 percent.

Furthermore, literacy rates in urban areas reach 77 percent, compared to 56 percent in rural regions. While 68 percent of children are enrolled in primary schools, this figure drops significantly at higher educational levels, with only 40 percent continuing to middle school and about 30 percent progressing to matriculation.

This stark decline in student retention illustrates the challenges they face, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas, pointing to structural barriers such as safety concerns, distance to schools, and rising opportunity costs as children age, particularly affecting rural girls.

Financial pressures, domestic responsibilities, and limited options for post-primary education further complicate the situation, particularly for girls who face societal expectations and early marriage.