Right to Education in Pakistan- Article 25(A)

In April 2010, one of the components of the 18^th amendment to the Constitution included guaranteed Free and Compulsory education for all 5-16 year olds as a “Fundamental Right” for all citizens of Pakistan, by inserting Article 25-A in the same, stating that: “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.”

Article 25A: “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law.” CONSTITUTION OF PAKISTAN

Prior to Article 25A, right to education up to the secondary level was ensured through Article 37b of the constitution under Principles of Policy (Chapter II). However, Article 37b could only be implemented subject to the availability of resources whereas Article 25A states unequivocally that the state is responsible for the provision of free and compulsory education. Post 18^th Constitutional amendment of the Constitution where education has been devolved to the provinces, it is obligatory on all the Provincial Governments including the Islamabad Capital Territory administration to ensure that the children of respective areas receive education as a fundamental right up to intermediate level. Since 2010 all four provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) have passed laws for compulsory and free education.