One in four Karachi public school children at risk of developmental delays, AKU study finds

One in four Karachi public school children at risk of developmental delays, AKU

KARACHI: A new study by the Aga Khan University (AKU) has revealed that one in four children aged 3 to 8 attending public schools in Karachi are at risk of developmental delays, with the highest vulnerability found among those from low-income families and ethnic minority backgrounds.

The research, conducted among children in Katchi, Grade 1, and Grade 2, assessed five key developmental domains — social and emotional, physical, language, cognition, and communication. Results showed that 28% of children were vulnerable in at least one domain, while nearly 10% struggled in all five areas.

Ethnic, gender disparities

According to the Early Developmental Index (EDI), Pashtun children showed the highest rates of vulnerability, significantly more than Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Balochi-speaking peers. Boys were also found to be at greater risk compared to girls, highlighting a critical gender gap in early childhood development.

Expert insights on early childhood health

Dr Seema Lasi, Assistant Professor at AKU and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of early intervention:

“An individual’s early years are their most sensitive period, where the most rapid growth and development occurs. A child’s developmental health is deeply influenced by their parents, teachers, and the social and environmental factors they grow up in.”

Dr Salman Kirmani, Director of the Centre of Excellence – Women & Child Health and Interim Director of the Human Development Programme at AKU, added:

“Children thrive when supported by both quality education and a stable, nurturing home. Developmental health isn’t just a medical concern; it’s a societal responsibility that begins at home and extends to every classroom.”

Call for urgent action

The study urges policymakers and educators to design targeted programs and interventions that address socioeconomic and cultural disparities. Strengthening early childhood education, parental support systems, and community-driven initiatives could help mitigate risks and lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient generation.

The findings underscore a critical reality: investing in children’s early development is not just an educational priority, but a societal obligation that will shape Pakistan’s future.

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