Data released in the Pakistan Education Statistics Report 2021-22 showed the South Asian country is witnessing an alarming spike in out-of-school children as the figure soared to over 26 million.

According to the report, 39% of children in the school-going age group are currently out of school.

Balochistan stands out with the highest percentage, where a staggering 65% of children are out of school, while ICT reports the lowest percentage, reported Geo News.

This increase is primarily attributed to the population growth rate outpacing the decrease in out-of-school children, the Pakistani news channel reported.

At the higher secondary level, a disconcerting 60% of children are out of school in 2021-22. Further analysis reveals 44%, 30%, and 36% out-of-school rates at high, middle, and primary levels respectively, Geo News reported.

The report was released at a time when Pakistan is struggling to fight the financial crisis.