Islamabad: In a bid to up the literacy rate and eduction for all, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on Monday made primary and secondary education compulsory for all children between five and 16 years of age.

The education will be imparted free of coast in all public sector educational institutions.

Following the cabinet meeting, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani told the media that under Elementary and Secondary Education Bill approved on Monday, the government will be responsible for providing free education to the students and parents will have to send their children to school.

"Under the Act, parents would be punishable with imprisonment up to one month or fine which may extend up to Rs 100 per day or with both, for not sending their children to schools," the adviser was quoted by Dawn News.

--IANS