In fiscal year 2024–2025, Pakistan spent less than 1 percent of its GDP on education and health, according to the most recent Economic Survey, which was made public on Monday.

Experts are concerned about the long-term development and human capital of the nation due to the insufficient investment in vital sectors.

According to the report, this year, the education sector received just 0.8% of GDP. The national literacy rate was 60.6% at the time. The fact that female literacy was 52.8% while male literacy was 68% highlights the ongoing gender disparity.

There are 269 universities in Pakistan as of right now, 160 of which are public and 109 of which are private. University-level PhD faculty comprise around 38% of the Rs61.1 billion spent on higher education under the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Additionally, health spending did not exceed 1% of GDP. This fiscal year, the entire budget for health was Rs925 billion. There is just one doctor for every 751 people in the nation, the research claims. That number rose to 319,000, though, as more than 20,000 new physicians were registered throughout the year.

Thirteen thousand nurses were employed, compared to 39,088 dentists. In addition, there are 29,000 female health workers and 46,801 midwives in Pakistan. Access to healthcare is still restricted in many rural regions, notwithstanding these figures.

Currently, 5,434 basic health units and 1,696 hospitals are in operation across the country. With 50 out of every 1,000 infants dying annually, the infant mortality rate is nevertheless a cause for worry. Nonetheless, the average life expectancy in the nation has increased to 67 years.

Govt Allocated Rs. 61.1 Billion to HEC

As to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) was allocated Rs. 61.12 billion by the Federal Government to carry out 159 development projects at public institutions and HEC itself.

The government approved all 100 percent of the Rs 61.115 billion distribution for usage in the current fiscal year.

As of April 2025, HEC had disbursed Rs 32.6 billion to fund university and higher education development projects.

With an emphasis on enhancing research facilities, academic infrastructure, and technological access, the money will underpin 138 current and 21 new development projects. 26 projects are planned for completion within the current fiscal year, and money for 18 of them has already been agreed upon.

12 billion rupees was set aside especially for the Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme as part of this allocation.

For the PM's Laptop Scheme, which intends to improve digital access and learning opportunities for students across the country, Rs 9 billion has been set aside in the interim.