The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 upended traditional education systems globally, and Pakistan was no exception. With more than 50 million students enrolled across public and private schools, colleges, and universities, the abrupt shift to remote learning highlighted both the potential and the gaps in Pakistan's educational technology (EdTech) landscape. Although the sector was still in its nascent stage before the crisis, 2020 proved to be an inflection point for digital learning across the country.

The Sudden Shift to Remote Learning

In March 2020, the government announced the closure of all educational institutions to curb the spread of COVID-19. With no pre-existing infrastructure for large-scale digital education delivery, institutions scrambled to find alternatives. Universities, including LUMS, NUST, and Aga Khan University, shifted to Zoom-based lectures and Google Classroom tools. However, for primary and secondary schools—especially those in underserved regions—the transition proved far more difficult.

According to a 2020 report by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), only 36% of households had access to broadband internet. Device availability and digital literacy were also major barriers, especially in rural areas and for girls.

Government Interventions

To address the digital divide, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training launched TeleSchool in April 2020. In collaboration with state broadcaster PTV, TeleSchool aired curriculum-based lessons for Grades 1 to 12, covering core subjects in multiple languages. Although rudimentary, the initiative reached millions of students who lacked internet access.

Provincial efforts also emerged. The Punjab government expanded its Taleem Ghar program to include YouTube and cable TV lessons. Sindh launched Ilm Online, while Balochistan and KP tried to implement radio-based education.

Despite these efforts, engagement remained low due to lack of interactivity and poor monitoring tools.

Rise of Private EdTech Players

2020 saw unprecedented growth in private EdTech solutions. Platforms like Sabaq, Maati, Taleemabad, and Edkasa reported sharp increases in user engagement. Edkasa, for instance, saw a tenfold growth in student sign-ups for its online exam prep services.

International players like Coursera and Khan Academy saw growing traction in urban centers. Meanwhile, schools such as The City School and Roots International deployed customized Learning Management Systems (LMS) to continue operations.

Startups also capitalized on this shift. Dot & Line, an EdTech startup offering after-school tutoring via trained women educators, migrated entirely online, reporting a surge in demand.

Funding and Support

The year also brought new funding opportunities. The Invest2Innovate platform reported that EdTech was one of the top three funded verticals among Pakistani startups in 2020. Sabaq received investment from The Spark Foundation, while Taleemabad partnered with UNICEF to scale its curriculum-aligned digital content.

The World Bank and DFID (now FCDO) extended grants to support EdTech initiatives targeting public sector schools, while USAID launched pilot projects on tech-enabled teacher training.

Structural Gaps Remain

Despite the optimism, challenges remained severe. The digital divide meant that millions of students—especially girls in remote areas—were excluded from online education. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for TV- and radio-based learning were weak, and public-private coordination lacked cohesion.

Moreover, while urban private schools adapted quickly, the vast majority of Pakistan’s 300,000+ public schools lacked the basic infrastructure needed for digital learning.

Yet, 2020 planted the seeds of change. EdTech, once a peripheral concern, became central to discussions on education policy and reform.

Looking Ahead

If sustained, the digital push of 2020 could catalyze long-term transformation in Pakistan’s education system. As infrastructure improves and digital literacy grows, EdTech could emerge not just as a stopgap, but as a strategic pillar for inclusive, quality education.

References:

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority – “Annual Report 2020”

https://www.pta.gov.pk

Ministry of Federal Education – “TeleSchool Pakistan”

https://mofept.gov.pk

World Bank Blog – “COVID-19 and Pakistan's Education Crisis”, June 2020

https://blogs.worldbank.org

Invest2Innovate Insights – “Pakistan Startup Ecosystem Report 2020”

https://i2iaccelerator.com

UNICEF Pakistan – “Partnering on Remote Education Delivery”, Nov 2020

https://www.unicef.org/pakistan