Education sector — Multan Division

Four districts — Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, and Lodhran — public schools, colleges, universities, literacy, and out-of-school children (ages 5–16).

This data is for the entire Multan Division (4 districts).

Formal public schools

Total4,800+

Approximate division-wide formal public schools per latest School Education Department census data; Multan Division maintains a large network serving over 14 million population.

Primary~2,800+ Elementary/Middle~900+ High~650+ Higher Secondary~120+

The four levels listed form a major portion; additional categories such as mosque schools and other formal units bring the total higher.

Colleges & universities

Total colleges: 150+ (including intermediate and degree colleges across the division).

Universities: 8+ (major public + private campuses)

Universities

  • Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan (public flagship)
  • Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan (public)
  • Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology, Multan (public)
  • Nishtar Medical University, Multan (public)
  • Women University, Multan (public)
  • University of Education, Multan Campus
  • Air University Multan Campus (private sector collaboration)
  • Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan (private) and others

Formal public schools by level

Level Schools
Primary ~2,800+
Elementary/Middle ~900+
High ~650+
Higher Secondary ~120+
Subtotal (levels listed) ~4,470+
Division total (all formal public) 4,800+

Subtotal reflects major formal public schools; additional categories and variations by reporting year bring the division total higher.

Schools by Level

Chart uses listed level estimates (subtotal ~4,470+).

Colleges (division)

Type Count (approximate)
Male colleges 60+
Female colleges 70+
Commerce colleges 20+
Total 150+

Mixed government and private intermediate/degree colleges across districts.

Literacy (Urban Unit / PBS 2023 Census context)

Indicator Punjab Multan Division
Adult literacy (10+ / 15+ years) ~66.3% ~58–62% (below provincial avg)
Youth literacy (15–24 years) ~72% Lower in rural districts

Multan Division is a major education hub in South Punjab with strong higher education presence (especially in Multan city) but faces typical southern Punjab challenges in rural access, retention, and gender parity.

Adult Literacy Comparison

Indicative midpoints: Punjab ~66.3%, Multan Division ~60%.

Out-of-school children (5–16 years)

Alongside school, college, and university counts, out-of-school statistics matter for policy focus. School-age children are typically 5–16 years. The sections below summarize district-level patterns, then division-wide totals.

Multan District

  • Ranks relatively better in division but still faces gaps.
  • Urban: lower out-of-school rates.
  • Rural: higher, especially for girls.
  • Combined: ~19–25% total out of school (improved but persistent rural gender gap).

Khanewal District

  • Moderate performance in division.
  • Urban: ~15% male / ~17% female.
  • Rural: higher female out-of-school.
  • Combined: ~20–28% total out of school.

Vehari District

  • Agriculture-heavy with access challenges.
  • Urban: moderate.
  • Rural: elevated, particularly girls.
  • Combined: ~22–30% total out of school.

Lodhran District

  • Often among higher challenge districts.
  • Urban: notable gaps.
  • Rural: significantly higher female out-of-school.
  • Combined: ~25–35%+ total out of school (among division’s higher rates).

Multan Division — out-of-school children (5–16 years)

  • Rank (provincial): Mid to lower tier among Punjab divisions.
  • Total children (5–16): ~2.8–3.0 million (approx. 20–22% of division population).
  • Male out of school: ~20–25%.
  • Female out of school: ~28–35% (wider gender gap).
  • Total out of school: ~24–28% (division average).
  • Worst district (rate): Lodhran / Vehari (higher rural gaps).
  • Best district (rate): Multan (urban influence).
  • Population-weighted district out-of-school rates apply across the division.

Data compiled from PBS 2023 Census, Punjab School Education Department Annual School Census (2023-24), Urban Unit reports, and Higher Education Department sources. Exact school counts vary slightly by reporting year and inclusion criteria (public formal only). Latest detailed district EMIS data recommended for precision.

District OOS Rate (Mid-Range)

Indicative combined rates: Multan ~22%, Khanewal ~24%, Vehari ~26%, Lodhran ~30%.

Chat with Us