THE Sindh government recently launched an initiative to provide free breakfast to children in primary schools. The programme, funded by international organisations, aims at addressing two major issues simultaneously: malnutrition and low enrolment.

The project’s estimated cost is Rs50-70 per child per day, and its initial phase will cover three cities; Karachi, Hyderabad and Khairpur. The programme is envi-sioned as a three-year effort to improve attendance at schools by attracting out-of-school children. While the initiative represents a significant policy shift, it does raise critical some questions about feasibility, transparency and effectiveness regarding the implementation of the programme.

Historically, similar programmes in Pakistan have failed to deliver the desired outcomes owing to corruption, logistical issues, and lack of oversight. There are more critical issues that deserve attention.

Sindh has more than 30,000 schools without basic facilities, and over 6,000 schools remain closed due to structural damage or teacher shortages. However, the government continues to rely on short-term solutions instead of addressing the systemic issues.

The success of the latest government initiative depends on several factors, including accessibility in remote areas. Many villages in Sindh are inaccessible due to poor infrastructure, making timely delivery of meals a daunting task.

Moreover, ensuring the quality and safety of food in such conditions requires stringent standards and regular inspe-ctions. The government must allocate additional resources to address these logistical hurdles to ensure that the programme benefits the most vulnerable children.

While the initiative is a welcome step, it must be part of a broader, more sustainable strategy to address the education crisis. Besides, transparency, community involvement, and logistical efficiency are critical to its success.

Ali Gul Leghari
Johi

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2025