Who are the children going to school in Urban Punjab (Pakistan)?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the demand side determinants of schooling of Pakistani urban children and the factors affecting boys and girls' schooling separately. Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study using the non-linear maximum likelihood probability (probit) function on primary data. Findings – Besides other variables it has been observed that the poverty remains an important determinant of school participation. Poor households keep their children out of school due to their inability to afford the cost of schooling. Research limitations/implications – On the basis of this study a socio-economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan. Practical implications – A development policy can be formulated on the basis of this research for the enhancement of human resource development for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan. Originality/value – The paper is beneficial to the researchers, policy makers, and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare through its findings.