For generations, Pakistani children have entered puberty without a framework, without languageParliament has done something this week that once seemed nearly impossible in Pakistan's legislative culture. It passed a bill mandating reproductive health education in schools. The Federal Supervision of Curricula Amendment Bill, cleared by both houses and awaiting presidential assent, requires that students aged 14 and above in Islamabad's educational institutions receive structured instruction on reproductive health. For generations, Pakistani children have entered puberty without a framework and without language. Punjab, home to more than half the country's population, has in the past bowed to pressure from religious groups and halted reproductive health programmes in schools.

Source: The Express Tribune March 16, 2026 01:24 UTC