Correct Answer: Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.

Statement 1 is true. On average, the years of schooling in Pakistan are lower than in India. According to available data, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, India had a higher average years of schooling compared to Pakistan.

Statement 2 is also true. Limited access to quality education and high dropout rates do contribute to the lower average years of schooling in Pakistan. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, low investment in education, socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and security challenges have affected educational opportunities and outcomes in Pakistan. These factors have led to limited access to quality education and higher dropout rates, ultimately resulting in lower average years of schooling in the country.

Therefore, both statements are true, and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1. Limited access to quality education and high dropout rates contribute to the lower average years of schooling in Pakistan compared to India.