Pakistan literacy rate rises to 63%, latest survey reveals

Punjab recorded the highest literacy rate at 68 percent, while Balochistan had the lowest at 49 percent.

Pakistan literacy rate
Pakistan literacy rate

ISLAMABAD: The latest Household Economic Survey shows that Pakistan’s literacy rate has climbed to 63 percent while literacy has grown by only 3 percent in last five years.

According to the latest Household Economic Survey released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, among provinces, Punjab recorded the highest literacy rate at 68 percent, while Balochistan had the lowest at 49 percent.

The report also highlights a reduction in the out-of-school children rate, which has declined from 30 percent to 28 percent.

Access to the internet has improved significantly, rising from 34 percent to 70 percent, while the proportion of internet users increased from 17 percent to 57 percent.

Immunization coverage has also seen progress, with full vaccination rates rising from 68 percent to 73 percent, and mobile or smartphone availability in households reaching 96 percent.

On child health, the survey shows a decrease in infant mortality, with newborn deaths dropping from 41 to 35 per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality falling from 60 to 47 per 1,000 live births.

Regarding food consumption, the survey reports monthly per capita use of 5.6 kg wheat, 0.89 kg rice, 6.12 liters of milk, 3.4 eggs, 1.17 kg potatoes, and 1.07 kg sugar. It also notes that sugar consumption per capita is higher in urban areas than rural regions.

The report reflects gradual improvements in education, digital connectivity, healthcare, and nutrition across Pakistan.