The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has embarked on an extensive campaign to significantly increase school enrollment across the region. This ambitious initiative aims to bring more than 1.3 million children into the formal education system for the academic year 2026–27, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving educational access and quality throughout the province.
Officially launched on Friday in Peshawar by the Provincial Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Arshad Ayub Khan, the campaign also saw the presence of Chief Secretary KP, Shahab Ali Shah. The program is designed not only to boost admissions but also to tackle the persistent issue of school dropouts, which have long hindered educational progress in the province. By focusing on reintegrating children who have previously been out of school, the government hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
The campaign sets a clear target of enrolling 1,328,620 children, with a nearly balanced gender distribution: 684,363 boys and 644,259 girls. Notably, the initiative plans to bring back over 600,000 children who are currently not attending school, including 261,435 boys and a larger number of 382,280 girls. This emphasis on girls’ education highlights the provincial administration’s dedication to addressing gender disparities and ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, has access to quality education.
In addition to increasing enrollment, the campaign aims to reduce dropout rates at both primary and secondary levels. The government has set specific goals to lower the primary school dropout rate from 7 percent to 5 percent and the secondary school dropout rate from 8 percent to 6 percent. These targets reflect a strategic approach to not only get children into schools but also to keep them engaged and progressing through their education.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the campaign will leverage multiple educational platforms. Approximately 65 percent of the enrollments are expected to come from public schools, with private institutions contributing around 30 percent. The remaining 5 percent will be facilitated through the Accelerated Learning Program and other non-formal education initiatives, which are crucial for reaching children who may have missed out on traditional schooling opportunities.
A key feature of this campaign is the introduction of a digital dashboard, which will enable real-time monitoring of enrollment progress and dropout rates. This technological tool is intended to enhance transparency and accountability, allowing officials to track developments closely and make data-driven decisions to ensure the campaign’s success.
During the launch event, Minister Arshad Ayub Khan stressed the importance of education for all children, emphasizing that special attention would be given to girls’ education to bridge existing gaps. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah highlighted the role of district-level Deputy Commissioners, who will oversee the campaign’s implementation on the ground. He also underscored the necessity of active public involvement, stating that community participation will be vital to meeting the enrollment targets.
Before the campaign’s inauguration, a comprehensive review meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah. This meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Education Department, Local Government representatives, and UNICEF. During the session, Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Khalid Khan presented a detailed briefing and announced plans for a special survey aimed at gathering accurate data on out-of-school children. This survey will provide critical insights to tailor interventions more effectively and ensure no child is left behind.
Overall, this large-scale enrollment drive represents a significant step forward in KP’s educational reforms. By combining policy focus, technological innovation, and community engagement, the provincial government is striving to create a more inclusive and sustainable educational landscape that promises brighter futures for millions of children across the region.
