KARACHI, August 27, 2025: A new study by the Aga Khan University (AKU) has revealed that one in four children aged 3 to 8 enrolled in public schools in Karachi are at risk of developmental delays. Children from low-income families and ethnic minority backgrounds were found to be particularly vulnerable.
The research assessed children in Katchi, Grade 1, and Grade 2 across five developmental domains—social and emotional, physical, language, cognition, and communication skills. Findings showed that 28% of children were vulnerable in at least one domain, while around 10% faced challenges in all five. Pashtun children recorded the highest vulnerability rates across domains on the Early Developmental Index (EDI), compared to Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, and other language groups. Boys were also found to be significantly more vulnerable than girls.
The study highlighted that children’s developmental health is shaped by the interplay of gender, family income, and ethnic background. Early identification of these gaps is crucial for designing strategies to safeguard and promote healthy childhood development. Researchers called for urgent measures, including targeted programs and policies to support vulnerable children, laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient generation.
“An individual’s early years are their most sensitive period, when the most rapid growth and development take place,” said Dr. Seema Lasi, Assistant Professor at AKU and co-author of the study. “A child’s developmental health is deeply influenced by parents, teachers, and the social and environmental factors around them. By investing in early learning and creating safe, nurturing environments, we lay the groundwork for stronger, healthier generations.”
“Children thrive when they are supported by both quality education and a stable, nurturing home,” added Dr. Salman Kirmani, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Women & Child Health and Interim Director of the Human Development Programme at AKU. “Developmental health is not just a medical issue; it is a societal responsibility that begins at home and extends to every classroom.”