Education is Now Free and Compulsory for Pakistani Children

Pakistan has made education free and compulsory for children aged between five and 16 years.

Pakistan's National Assembly unanimously passed the right to free and compulsory education bill 2012 on Nov. 13, 2012. The bill was already passed by the Senate.

The bill also provides for 10 percent reserved seats for poor children in all private educational institutions. Law breakers will pay fine up to Rs 50,000 or six months jail.

Religious Affairs Minister Syed Khurshid Shah said free and compulsory education for children is the top priority of the government.