2025 Civil Society Spotlight Report on SDG 4: Gender Equality & Social Inclusion in Pakistan's Education System

With less than five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Pakistan is moving backwards on education: progress toward SDG 4 has declined while gender equality (SDG 5) remains stagnant, leaving Pakistan ranked 137th of 166 countries on the SDG Index. Developed in collaboration with ASPBAE, this Civil Society Spotlight Report on SDG 4 centres gender equality and social inclusion in the education conversation. Drawing on community-led town halls, youth voices, and evidence from across the country, it examines where Pakistan stands, highlights promising government and civil society initiatives, and amplifies the demands of those most affected offering concrete recommendations on equity-based financing, inclusive infrastructure, data standardisation, and meaningful civil society engagement.