At the time of partition (1947), the number of primary schools working was

At the time of partition (1947), the number of primary schools working was (a) 8413 (b) 9256 (c) 7687 (d) 6567 ✅ Correct Option: (a) 8413 Explanation (200+ words) At the time of partition in 1947, there were approximately 8,413 primary schools functioning in the territories that became Pakistan. The newly formed state inherited a weak educational infrastructure with low literacy rates (around 16%), limited schools, and severe shortage of teachers. The 8,413 primary schools were insufficient for the rapidly growing population. Many areas, especially rural regions, had no access to basic education. This shortage forced the Government of Pakistan to prioritize primary education in early Five-Year Plans and national education conferences. These schools formed the foundation for later expansions in the 1950s and 1960s, when governments invested in building more primary schools to achieve universal primary education. Partition-era educational statistics are frequently tested in PPSC exams because they show the starting point from which Pakistan’s education system evolved. 10 PPSC-Relevant Facts 1. Number of primary schools in 1947: 8,413. 2. Pakistan inherited extremely low literacy rates (~16%). 3. Majority of schools were in poor condition. 4. Severe shortage of teachers. 5. Rural areas had minimal educational access. 6. Early Five-Year Plans focused on building primary schools. 7. Education conferences of 1949 & 1952 emphasized expansion. 8. Gender disparity in primary education was very high. 9. Provided base for later educational development. 10. Data recorded in early educational surveys of Pakistan.