At independence, the literacy rate in Pakistan was?
At independence, the literacy rate in Pakistan was?
Options:
(a) 15%
(b) 20%
(c) 25%
(d) 10%
✅ Correct Option: (a) 15%
Explanation (200+ words):
At the time of independence in 1947, Pakistan faced a severe educational challenge with a literacy rate of only 15%. This low rate reflected decades of colonial neglect, insufficient schools, limited trained teachers, and widespread poverty. The majority of the population, especially in rural areas, had no access to formal education, and female literacy was particularly low, often below 5%.
This low literacy created economic, social, and administrative difficulties for the new state. A literate population is essential for governance, public administration, industrial development, and social reform. The nascent government therefore prioritized education in its initial plans, including the first educational conference (1948) and later the first Six-Year National Plan of Educational Development.
At independence, most educational infrastructure existed in urban areas. Rural and tribal areas remained largely illiterate, and adult education programs were almost nonexistent. The 15% literacy rate highlighted the urgency for universal primary education, adult literacy campaigns, and teacher training programs, which became key objectives of Pakistan’s early Five-Year and six-year plans.
10 PPSC Facts:
- Literacy rate in 1947 = 15%.
- Female literacy was below 5%.
- Rural literacy far lower than urban literacy.
- Colonial rule neglected mass education.
- Only 10–15% of population attended schools.
- Educational infrastructure concentrated in cities.
- Highlighted need for universal primary education.
- First educational conference held in 1948.
- Early plans prioritized teacher training.
- Low literacy impacted administration and governance.