Determinants of Low Literacy Rates in the Sargodha Division, Punjab, Pakistan: A District-Level Analysis

Abstract

Literacy is a key factor in socio-economic progress, but uneven across Pakistan. This research is limited to the Punjab's Sargodha Division, which includes the districts of Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar. Employing a mixed-methods approach (survey n=1,200 households; key informant interviews=40), the study has two key aims: (1) to examine the gender-wise and rural-urban gaps in literacy, and (2) to identify institutional and socio-cultural barriers to literacy. The study found that the gross literacy rate in the division is 64% (male 72%, female 55%), and in Bhakkar district, 51%. Key impediments include teacher absenteeism (46% of rural schools), shortage of female teachers (31% in rural schools) and early marriages (mentioned by 62% of female dropouts). The research calls for a girl-friendly environment in schools, cash transfers, and divisional monitoring. This article provides evidence for education policy in southern Punjab.