Despite the enormous demand for early childhood education care and education, it remains a privilege for young children in most of the world's nine high population countries, known as the E-9 group (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan), according to a report published by UNESCO (2003). The World Education Forum (UNESCO, 2000) set early childhood education and care as a priority goal for human development. Pakistan visioned the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children. In order to translate the vision into an action and to meet the national goals, Pakistan launched a National Plan of Action for Children and the Social Action Program (SAP). The National Plan of Action (Ministry of Education, 2003) of Pakistan identified three priority areas, and early childhood education was one of these priority areas to be considered. It has been designated as such in order to improve primary access and retention of young children, and provide them with opportunities for future success. Therefore, it is categorized in three phases: year 1 will focus on accessibility, and years 2 and 3 on accessibility and quality. This article explores the importance of early childhood education in the context of child development and focuses on Pakistan initiatives in the area of early childhood for long-term investment as child development and human development.