Correct Answer:
B. Primary education free and compulsory
Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan is a landmark provision, inserted through the 18th Amendment in 2010. It enshrines education as a fundamental right for all citizens. The article explicitly states that "The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of ages five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law."
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Primary education free and compulsory. This article mandates the state's responsibility to ensure that every child within this age bracket receives education without financial burden and that attendance is obligatory.
- A: Higher education free is incorrect because Article 25-A specifically targets the 5-16 age group, which covers primary and lower secondary education, not higher education.
- C: Technical education free is also incorrect for the same reason; while important, it is not the specific focus of the free and compulsory mandate of Article 25-A.
- D: Religious education free is not the primary or exclusive focus of Article 25-A, which aims for general education for all children.