One in four Karachi children face risk of developmental delays

Aga Khan University study finds 28% of children in Karachi’s public schools vulnerable in at least one developmental domain, with boys and Pashtuns most at risk.

A new study by the Aga Khan University (AKU) has revealed that one in four children attending public schools in Karachi are at high risk of developmental delays, underscoring urgent gaps in early childhood development. The research, conducted among children aged 3 to 8 years in Katchi, grade 1 and grade 2, found that 28% of participants were vulnerable in at least one developmental domain, while 10% showed delays across all five.Children’s Emergency Room at PIMS Treats 200,000 Children

The study measured children’s progress using the Early Developmental Index (EDI), which evaluates five critical areas—social and emotional well-being, physical development, language skills, cognition, and communication. Findings showed that Pashtun children exhibited the highest rates of vulnerability compared to Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, and other language groups, while boys were significantly more likely to struggle than girls.

Researchers highlighted that a child’s developmental trajectory is shaped by multiple factors, including family income, gender, and ethnic background. Children from low-income households and minority communities were found to be disproportionately affected, reflecting long-standing structural inequalities in Pakistan’s education and social systems.

Experts warn that developmental delays in early childhood can have lasting impacts, influencing not only academic performance but also long-term health, social skills, and economic opportunities. Globally, studies have shown that children who start school with developmental gaps are less likely to catch up with their peers, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.

Dr Seema Lasi, Assistant Professor at AKU and co-author of the study, stressed the importance of early interventions. “An individual’s early years are their most sensitive period, where the most rapid growth and development occurs,” she said. “A child’s developmental health is deeply influenced by their parents, teachers and the social and environmental factors they grow up in. When we invest in early learning and create safe, nurturing environments, we lay the foundation for healthier, more resilient generations.”

Echoing this view, Dr Salman Kirmani, Director of AKU’s Centre of Excellence – Women & Child Health and Interim Director of the Human Development Programme, emphasized that early childhood development is not solely a medical issue but a collective social responsibility. “Children thrive when they are supported by both quality education and a stable, nurturing home,” he said. “Developmental health isn’t just a medical concern; it’s a societal responsibility that begins at home and extends to every classroom.”

The AKU researchers argue that targeted policy interventions are needed to address these challenges, particularly in low-income and minority communities. Suggested measures include school-based early learning programs, parental education initiatives, and community-driven support systems to identify and assist at-risk children before gaps widen.

Pakistan has long faced challenges in early childhood education, with limited public investment and wide disparities in access across provinces and socio-economic groups. The country has committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which include ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all children. However, experts note that progress has been uneven, with early childhood development often overlooked in national policy debates.

In recent years, provinces such as Sindh and Punjab have expanded early learning programs, but coverage remains patchy. UNICEF and other international organizations have repeatedly called for greater investment in early childhood education in Pakistan, warning that without such measures, the country risks perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

The AKU study underscores the need to integrate health, education, and social protection policies to safeguard children’s development. With nearly 30% of Karachi’s young public-school students already showing vulnerabilities, researchers warn that without urgent action, the city’s next generation may face widening social and economic disparities.

For policymakers, the findings present both a challenge and an opportunity. Early interventions, they argue, could reverse the trend and unlock the potential of thousands of children. As Pakistan confronts a slowing economy and rising inequality, strengthening childhood development may prove to be one of the most effective long-term strategies for building a resilient and inclusive society.