Islamabad: (RightNow) The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Education revealed that over 26,000 children in Islamabad are out of school. The meeting, chaired by Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, included education ministry officials who reported that 26,834 children are not attending school, comprising 14,000 boys and 12,000 girls.

Officials further stated that 8,714 children have been enrolled in various educational programs so far. A comprehensive action plan for the federal area has been prepared, and data is being collected through door-to-door surveys in union councils.

The education ministry reported that three tent schools have been established for children in Islamabad’s slum areas. It was also mentioned that the condition for private schools to provide free education to 10% of children is not being implemented.

Emphasizing the importance of this issue, the chairperson stated that there is a need to raise awareness among parents about the importance of education. The education ministry should allocate a significant portion of the budget for this purpose to ensure every child’s right to education.

It is noteworthy that surveys have been completed in Islamabad’s rural union councils with the help of various NGOs. This survey has enabled the identification of out-of-school children.