
Pakistan’s EdTech Awakening Digital Learning Gains Ground in a Post-Pandemic World
In 2022, Pakistan witnessed the maturing of its EdTech sector, propelled by digital transformation needs that had emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The forced shift to remote learning in 2020–2021 laid the groundwork for a growing appetite for online education solutions, especially among schools, universities, and individual learners.
From Emergency Response to Structured Strategy
During the height of the pandemic, Pakistan's education system pivoted hastily to online learning, often with mixed results. However, by 2022, EdTech had transitioned from emergency response to a viable, long-term solution for addressing systemic educational challenges.
Platforms such as Taleemabad, Maqsad, Edkasa, and Sabaq rose to national prominence. They offered localized, curriculum-aligned digital content in Urdu and English, targeting K-12 students across socio-economic segments. Their mobile-first strategy helped them reach underserved areas with limited internet access.
For instance, Maqsad, a Karachi-based startup, secured $2.1 million in seed funding in 2022 from international investors to expand its personalized learning platform that integrates video content, quizzes, and analytics.
Government Engagement and Public-Private Partnerships
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) supported EdTech adoption through initiatives such as:
The Teleschool project, which continued to broadcast K-12 content via television for out-of-school children.
Collaboration with EdTech startups for content digitization and teacher training.
Integration of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in public universities and colleges.
In Punjab, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) scaled up its eLearn Punjab platform, providing free digital textbooks and video lessons. Meanwhile, Sindh and KP explored similar models with the support of the World Bank’s Education Sector Reform Program.
EdTech and Equity: Bridging the Digital Divide
While urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad saw growing digital learning adoption, digital inequality remained a major barrier. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), internet penetration stood at 54% in 2022, but rural broadband access was still limited.
To address this, some EdTech platforms employed offline learning solutions:
Taleemabad distributed SD cards and preloaded tablets for students without internet.
Sabaq partnered with schools to run “blended learning” classrooms, where technology augmented face-to-face teaching.
Edkasa enabled WhatsApp-based tutoring for students in areas with 2G access.
These innovations highlighted that low-cost, locally adapted technology was crucial for equitable access.
Higher Education Embraces Hybrid Learning
Universities in Pakistan, particularly under HEC's Digital Learning Policy, accelerated the use of online and hybrid models. LMS platforms like Moodle, Google Classroom, and Coursera for Campus were adopted by institutions such as LUMS, NUST, and Virtual University.
Faculty received training in digital pedagogy, while students gained access to MOOCs and virtual labs. However, capacity gaps in faculty readiness, infrastructure, and quality control remained key challenges.
Investment, Innovation, and the Road Ahead
By 2022, Pakistan’s EdTech space had attracted both domestic and international investment, reflecting its growth potential:
Knowledge Platform, a long-standing EdTech player, expanded its AI-based assessment tools.
Startups like Dot & Line used trained female tutors to deliver structured math programs at home, promoting women’s economic inclusion.
Local VC firms, along with global players like Global Ventures and Alter Global, expressed interest in scalable EdTech business models.
Despite this momentum, concerns over digital fatigue, student engagement, and long-term funding posed questions about sustainability. Experts stressed the importance of teacher involvement, curriculum integration, and impact measurement.
Conclusion
In 2022, Pakistan's EdTech sector stood at an inflection point. No longer a stopgap, it had begun to evolve into a structured, scalable solution for improving learning outcomes and reaching out-of-school children. If supported by policy, infrastructure, and investment, EdTech had the potential to transform Pakistan’s education system, making it more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
References:
Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training – Annual Report 2022
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority – Internet Penetration Data (2022)
Dawn News – Pakistani EdTech startup Maqsad raises $2.1 million
The News – EdTech boom in Pakistan: Is it here to stay?
World Bank – Pakistan Education Sector Reform Program (2022)
Maqsad Official Website – www.maqsad.io
PITB – eLearn Punjab Initiative
Edkasa and Sabaq NGO case studies