In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s education sector, the federal government has announced a record 140% increase in the education budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. This increase brings the total allocation to over Rs 20 billion, a significant rise from the previous year’s budget of Rs 8.5 billion.
The enhanced budget reflects the government’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector, which has long been underfunded. This new funding is expected to support a range of initiatives, including the launch of new educational programs by the Federal Ministry of Education. The move also reverses previous cuts to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) budget, which had caused widespread concern among educational institutions.
Earlier this year, the HEC faced a substantial budget reduction, with its allocation slashed from Rs 65 billion to Rs 25 billion. However, thanks to efforts by the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and other key stakeholders, the budget has been restored to its previous level, ensuring that critical higher education projects can continue without disruption.
This budget increase is seen as a crucial step towards improving the quality of education in Pakistan, supporting both primary and higher education initiatives, and addressing the challenges faced by educational institutions across the country. As these funds are distributed and utilized, the government hopes to see significant improvements in educational access and outcomes nationwide