Pakistan’s literacy rate has increased to 63 percent, up from 60 percent in the previous reported period, with Punjab recording the highest rate among the provinces, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.
The latest figures, based on data for people aged 10 and above, indicate gradual progress in literacy across the country. However, significant differences remain between men and women and between urban and rural communities.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported the national figures through its Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024-25. The survey results show that male literacy reached 73 percent, compared with 54 percent among females, highlighting a 19-percentage-point gender gap.
The findings were also reflected in the federal government’s announcement following the launch of the HIES 2024-25 on January 1, 2026. The survey provides an updated picture of education and other social indicators across Pakistan.
Readers can consult the official Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 education chapter for the underlying statistics.
Punjab Records the Highest Provincial Literacy Rate
Punjab maintained its position as the province with the highest literacy rate, reaching 68 percent in 2024-25, compared with approximately 66 percent in 2022-23.
The province recorded literacy rates of 75 percent among men and 62 percent among women. Although Punjab leads the provinces overall, the figures show that women continue to face a substantial literacy gap.
Sindh recorded an overall literacy rate of 58 percent, unchanged from the previous reported period. Male literacy stood at 68 percent, while the female rate was 47 percent.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also reached 58 percent, rising from approximately 51 percent in 2022-23. The province reported male literacy of 76 percent and female literacy of 43 percent.
Balochistan recorded the lowest provincial literacy rate at 49 percent, compared with approximately 42 percent in the earlier period. Its male literacy rate reached 65 percent, while female literacy stood at 31 percent.
The figures underline the uneven pace of progress across Pakistan. While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan recorded notable increases, the gap between male and female literacy remains particularly wide in several provinces.
Urban-Rural Divide Remains a Major Challenge
The national data also reveal a substantial difference between urban and rural literacy rates.
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, literacy in urban areas stood at 74 percent, compared with 55 percent in rural areas.
The difference suggests that access to education and literacy opportunities remains uneven across communities. Rural areas continue to face challenges in ensuring that residents, particularly women and girls, acquire basic reading and writing skills.
The gender gap is also visible in the national figures. Male literacy stood at 73 percent, while female literacy reached 54 percent. Improving women’s access to education and adult literacy programmes remains an important part of efforts to raise the national rate.
These disparities mean that an increase in the overall literacy percentage does not necessarily translate into equal progress for every province or population group.
Pakistan Has More Than 342,000 Educational Institutions
Pakistan has a total of 342,547 educational institutions, according to the figures cited in the source report.
The number provides an indication of the scale of the country’s education system, but the number of institutions alone does not establish how effectively literacy needs are being met. Access, teaching quality, attendance, learning outcomes and the availability of facilities all influence educational progress.
The latest literacy figures therefore present a mixed picture. Pakistan has crossed the 60 percent threshold and reached 63 percent nationally, but more work is needed to narrow regional and gender disparities.
Sustained investment in education, stronger literacy programmes and better access to learning opportunities in underserved communities will be important if the country is to maintain progress and ensure that improvements reach those who remain behind.
