Education and SDG4: Sindh’s Progress Amid Persistent Challenges

By Dr Sanaullah Rustamani 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. Despite formidable challenges, Pakistan has been making sustained efforts to achieve this goal. Rapid population growth, economic constraints, climate change, gender disparities in rural areas, and shortages of educational infrastructure continue to impede progress. Yet, the country’s commitment to improving access to quality education remains evident.

UNESCO acknowledges Pakistan’s progress towards SDG4, while also emphasising that much more remains to be done. Article 25-A of the Constitution declares education a fundamental right of every child, but translating this constitutional guarantee into reality continues to be a challenge. Although millions of children remain outside the education system, the federal and provincial governments have recognised these challenges and have incorporated SDG4 into their education policies and development priorities. Efforts are underway to implement a uniform curriculum, improve the quality of education, and strengthen learning outcomes. Special initiatives, including stipends and scholarships, are also being pursued to encourage girls’ education.

Sindh, as a federating unit, has made noteworthy progress in this regard. The provincial education minister, who hails from a remote area of Sindh, is widely respected for his literary contributions and enjoys considerable goodwill among academia, civil society and literary circles. This background has raised public expectations, particularly regarding educational reforms. In many parts of rural Sindh, girls’ education continues to face obstacles stemming from social taboos, early marriages and lack of awareness. However, the provincial leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to changing these attitudes and ensuring that girls across Sindh have access to quality education.

With the support of UNICEF, JICA and other development partners, the Sindh Education Department has launched several important initiatives. Among the most significant is the recruitment of nearly 100,000 teachers through third-party testing institutions, ensuring merit, transparency and the appointment of qualified professionals. More recently, the provincial education committee approved the recruitment of an additional 8,000 Junior Science Teachers from among candidates who secured 55 marks or above in the recruitment test, directing that offer letters be issued within two weeks so that they can begin serving in government schools without delay.

Despite financial constraints, the Sindh government has continued to prioritise education. For the fiscal year 2026-27, the province has allocated Rs497.789 billion for the education sector, slightly lower than last year’s allocation of Rs523.73 billion. Of this amount, Rs446.958 billion has been earmarked for primary, secondary and higher secondary education, while Rs41.414 billion has been allocated for colleges and Rs9.417 billion for universities and educational boards.

The provincial government has also enhanced the School-Specific Budget from Rs18.67 billion to Rs22.64 billion. These funds are transferred directly to headmasters and principals, enabling schools to address their day-to-day operational needs, undertake urgent repairs, improve campus facilities, and maintain a better learning environment through initiatives such as beautification and gardening.

Climate change has presented another serious challenge to the education sector. The devastating floods of 2022 damaged thousands of educational institutions across Sindh. To repair and reconstruct flood-affected schools, Rs234.903 million has been allocated, while additional schools are being rebuilt under the Development through Enhanced Education Program DEEP project.

The Sindh Education Department has also introduced the STEAM initiative to promote science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in schools across the province, helping students acquire the skills needed in a rapidly evolving world. Furthermore, free textbooks continue to be provided to students up to the matriculation level, while stipend programmes encourage girls to continue their education.

The ongoing High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York is reviewing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG4. Such global assessments provide an opportunity to evaluate achievements while identifying areas requiring greater attention.

Although significant progress has been made, achieving SDG4 remains a collective responsibility. Governments alone cannot accomplish this ambitious goal. Parents, communities, civil society, the private sector and development partners must all play their part in expanding access to education and improving its quality. Only through shared commitment and sustained investment can Pakistan fully realise the constitutional promise of education for every child and achieve the vision of SDG4.

The writer is academic and columnist. He holds MPhil in ELT and PhD in English Applied Linguistics.