What was the literacy rate in Pakistan according to 1981 census?
What was the literacy rate in Pakistan according to 1981 census?
(a) 21.7%
(b) 26.17%
(c) 35.5%
(d) 19%
✅ Correct Option: (b) 26.17%
Explanation (200+ words):
According to the 1981 Population Census, Pakistan’s literacy rate was officially recorded as 26.17%. This moderate rise from the 1972 census (21.7%) reflected slow but steady progress in educational access. Despite multiple policies and Five-Year Plans, the improvement was far below expectations. The literacy rate increased mainly due to the expansion of primary schools and the introduction of mosque schools during the 1978–83 plan.
The 1981 census highlighted major gaps: female literacy was significantly lower than male literacy, rural areas lagged behind urban regions, and adult literacy remained a major challenge. This census became a turning point because policymakers realized that mere planning without implementation could not achieve national literacy goals.
Additionally, the census exposed infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, low enrollment, and high dropout rates. The government used this data to develop later educational policies (1980s–1990s) focusing on community involvement, literacy campaigns, and teacher training. The 1981 literacy rate became a benchmark for the next decade’s planning and international reporting to UNESCO.
10 PPSC Facts:
- 1981 literacy rate = 26.17%.
- Male literacy was much higher than female literacy.
- Urban literacy significantly exceeded rural literacy.
- Census showed slow growth compared to targets.
- Data used for 5th Five-Year Plan development.
- Mosque schools contributed to literacy increase.
- Adult literacy remained below 20%.
- UNESCO used this data in its global reports.
- High dropout rates affected the final ratio.
- Pakistan ranked among low-literacy countries in 1981.