14,000 Sindh schools still await rebuild after floods

March 24, 2026

Nearly four years after the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, thousands of schools in Sindh province remain unrepaired, highlighting the slow pace of reconstruction. According to official data, as many as 19,808 schools were damaged during the disaster, making it one of the worst education crises in the region.

Out of these, only a portion has been taken up for rehabilitation so far, while over 14,000 schools are still awaiting reconstruction, leaving millions of students without proper learning facilities.

Limited progress despite ongoing projects

Authorities have initiated reconstruction work on thousands of schools under various provincial, federal, and international funding programmes. Around 5,400 schools have been included in rebuilding plans, with a mix of fully and partially damaged institutions.

However, progress remains uneven. While some schools have been completed and others are under construction, the majority are still pending due to funding gaps, logistical challenges, and the sheer scale of destruction caused by the floods.

Large-scale schemes like the Sindh School Education Investment Programme and federal development initiatives aim to complete several projects by 2026–2027, indicating that full recovery will take years.

Severe impact on children’s education

The delay in reconstruction has had a direct impact on students. The 2022 floods had already disrupted education for millions of children across Pakistan, with many schools destroyed, damaged, or converted into relief shelters.

In Sindh alone, a significant number of children continue to face learning disruptions due to the lack of proper school infrastructure. Temporary learning spaces and partial reopenings have not been enough to fully restore normal education.

Experts warn that prolonged school closures increase dropout risks, especially among vulnerable communities, and may lead to long-term educational setbacks.

Funding and climate challenges slow recovery

Reconstruction efforts are being supported by multiple stakeholders, including government programmes, international donors, and development partners. Billions of rupees have already been allocated, with a substantial amount spent on rebuilding efforts.

Despite this, the scale of the disaster considered one of the worst in Pakistan’s history continues to pose challenges. The 2022 floods caused widespread destruction across infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, with damages running into billions of dollars.

Climate experts also warn that recurring extreme weather events, including floods and heatwaves, could further delay recovery and put rebuilt infrastructure at risk.

Long road to full recovery

Officials maintain that reconstruction work is ongoing and will continue over the next few years. However, with over 14,000 schools still awaiting rebuilding, restoring the education system in Sindh remains a long-term challenge.

The situation underscores the urgent need for faster implementation, increased funding, and climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure that children can safely return to classrooms and resume their education without further disruption.