April 30, 2025
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD
A new report by the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) has revealed that despite some progress, Pakistan faces many significant challenges in upholding the rights of its 112 million children, who make up over 40 percent of the country’s population. The report, the first of its kind by the NCRC, highlights disparities in education, health, and protection, affecting the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, transgender children, and children from minority communities.
Education crisis
The report identifies a severe education crisis, with over 26 million children aged 5 to 16 out of school.
“Less than half of 5th-grade students can read or perform basic arithmetic,” the report states, pointing to a ‘learning crisis’ with declines in literacy and numeracy, further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial disparities are stark. For example, the transition rate from primary to middle school is 100% in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), but significantly lower in other provinces. Balochistan has the lowest figures across all education metrics. Systemic issues, including a lack of data on marginalized children and disrespect towards non-Muslim students, exacerbate the problem.
Health disparities
In health, the report indicates that “one in two children under the age of five is still affected by malnutrition.” While there has been progress in immunization, high mortality rates among newborns and children under five persist, reflecting gaps in maternal and child healthcare. Only 14.2% of children aged 6–23 months receive meals that meet minimum standards for dietary diversity. The report also highlights the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding, with rates varying significantly across provinces. For instance, ICT has the highest rate of early initiation of breastfeeding (91.3%), while Punjab has the lowest.
Protection concerns
The report raises alarm about child protection. It notes “alarming rates of violent discipline” and the continued prevalence of child marriage. Older children, particularly those aged 16-17, are most at risk of sexual violence. The report also highlights the vulnerability of street children, who face exploitation, violence, and drug abuse. Child labor remains a significant issue, particularly in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, with boys more affected than girls. For example, in Punjab and KP, over 50% of child laborers are employed in those sectors.
Recommendations
The NCRC Chairperson, Ayesha Raza Farooq, stressed the need for action. The report provides recommendations, including strengthening early childhood development, investing in basic education and nutrition, improving data collection, expanding child protection services, and ensuring legal reforms are effectively enforced. The report calls for greater inclusion of children’s voices in policy-making and emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized groups. The NCRC is committed to working with the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement these recommendations and drive meaningful change for children across Pakistan.