Measuring the impact of legal frameworks on orphans' access to education in Pakistan: a quantitative analysis

Munazza Razzaq; Azizah Mohd; Noraini Md Hashim

doi:10.47264/idea.jhsms/5.2.10

Authors

Munazza Razzaq Ahmed Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4258-6807
Azizah Mohd Ahmed Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.
Noraini Md Hashim Ahmed Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.jhsms/5.2.10

Keywords:

Orphans, Education, Social justice, Marginalised, Legal protections, Policymakers, Familial support, Children, Shariah, Human rights, International standards

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the legal framework on orphans' right to education in Pakistan. It examines the legislative measures designed to safeguard children's access to education, focusing on orphans, the most vulnerable group. The study is grounded in the theoretical framework of children's rights and social justice theories, which highlight the state's responsibility to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic status. Additionally, this research analyses constitutional provisions that recognize education as a fundamental right and evaluates how these provisions are implemented in practice. It also investigates how their paternal families and mothers support their educational attainment. Empirical data was collected from orphaned children to assess their access to education and the degree of familial support they receive. This study also explores socio-cultural factors that may affect an orphan's educational opportunities, including the influence of traditional family structures, economic constraints, and social perceptions. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on education equity, legal protection for marginalized children, and policy recommendations for improving access to education for orphans in Pakistan. The findings identified gaps in the legal framework and suggested strategies for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance educational opportunities for orphaned children.

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