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Implementation of Education Policy in Pakistan: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Anjeela Khurram

    (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)

Abstract

This systematic literature review aims to develop a systematic literature review, with an intention to identify the main themes in research so far envisaging the causes and barriers to efficient implementation of education policies in Pakistan. To achieve this end, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) has been employed to set guidelines for data collection. Data (92 research articles) from research studies over the period 2017-2024 on topics related to education policy implementation in Pakistan have been extracted from the databases like Google Scholar, Pub Med, JSTOR and PDR etc. This review extends a well-researched critique of Pakistan`s educational policies, offering valuable insights into the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the sector. A study offering a succinct review on various elements identified in the extant research attributing towards the poor implementation of education policies in Pakistan is non-existent. This study bridges this gap. This systematic literature review aims to highlight the variables and factors offering friction to the smooth sail of the efficient implementation of education policies. Findings from the extant literature have been clubbed into major themes and subthemes, indicating various inherent drawbacks in policies and multiple barriers offering friction to implementation of these policies. Some overlapping themes have been delineated for conceptual boundaries to ensure theoretical clarity. Many themes can help in informed decision-making. For instance, one major finding of this SLR posits that ineffective implementation of education policies in Pakistan is the product of ineffective policy making and governance mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Anjeela Khurram, 2025. "Implementation of Education Policy in Pakistan: A Systematic Literature Review," PIDE-Working Papers 2025:8, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pid:wpaper:2025:8
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Huma Akram, 2020. "Education Governance in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis of Challenges," Journal of Social Sciences Advancement, Science Impact Publishers, vol. 1(1), pages 38-41.
    2. Masroor Ahmad & Haroona Jatoi & Saqib Riaz, 2019. "Proposed Strategies for the Effective Implementation of Early Childhood Education Programme in Punjab," Global Regional Review, Humanity Only, vol. 4(1), pages 77-86, March.
    3. Felipe Barrera-Osorio & David S. Blakeslee & Matthew Hoover & Leigh Linden & Dhushyanth Raju & Stephen P. Ryan, 2022. "Delivering Education to the Underserved through a Public-Private Partnership Program in Pakistan," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 104(3), pages 399-416, May.
    4. Seemab Farooqi & Tom Forbes, 2020. "Enacted discretion: policy implementation, local government reform and education services in Pakistan," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(8), pages 1217-1239, July.
    5. Dissou, Yazid & Didic, Selma & Yakautsava, Tatsiana, 2016. "Government spending on education, human capital accumulation, and growth," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 9-21.
    6. Zafarullah Sahito & Shahid Hussain Wassan, 2024. "Literature Review on STEM Education and Its Awareness among Teachers: An Exploration of Issues and Problems with Their Solutions," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(1), pages 21582440241, March.
    7. Lubna Naz & Abdul Salam Lodhi & Daniel W. Tsegai, 2020. "Parents’ Perception of Education and Choice of Childhood Activities: Evidence from Pakistan," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 59(3), pages 335-355.
    8. Sarfraz Aslam & Atif Saleem & Teresa J. Kennedy & Tribhuwan Kumar & Khalida Parveen & Huma Akram & BaoHui Zhang, 2022. "Identifying the Research and Trends in STEM Education in Pakistan: A Systematic Literature Review," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, August.
    9. Shafiq Qurban & Husnul Amin, 2019. "Education Policies, Discourse of Ideology and the Construction of National Identity in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis," Global Regional Review, Humanity Only, vol. 4(3), pages 1-9, September.
    10. Anisur Rahman Khan, 2016. "Policy implementation: Some aspects and issues," Journal of Community Positive Practices, Catalactica NGO, issue 3, pages 3-12.
    11. Samina Ashraf & Rukhsana Bashir & Ghulam Fatima, 2020. "The Status of Inclusive Education in Baluchistan: A Qualitative Investigation," Journal of Business and Social Review in Emerging Economies, CSRC Publishing, Center for Sustainability Research and Consultancy Pakistan, vol. 6(2), pages 917-922, June.
    12. Mahwish Kamran & Nazia Bano, 2024. "Employing Assistive Technology (AT) for Children with Special Educational Needs: A Case Study from Pakistan (Article)," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 63(2), pages 203-220.
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