ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday that the federal government is allocating Rs 7.5 billion to enroll 26.2 million out-of-school children across Pakistan.
Speaking at the International Conference titled “Education System Strengthening: Challenges and Opportunities – A 20-Year Retrospective” held at COMSTECH, the minister detailed that the funding for this initiative would include Rs 25 million from the federal government, Rs 25 million from the provinces, and Rs 25 million from partner organizations.
The conference was organized by the Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), a prominent US-Pakistani social and human development organization, with the goal of addressing critical challenges facing Pakistan’s education system by bringing together local and global perspectives.
During the inaugural session, Iqbal emphasized that education is not merely a sector, but the foundation of development and prosperity. He highlighted that while Pakistan’s literacy rate stands at 60%, achieving a 90% literacy rate is essential for progress.
He stressed that the large number of out-of-school children poses a significant barrier to the country’s advancement, describing education as a crucial tool for the nation’s infrastructure.
The minister also announced plans to establish South Asia’s premier teacher training center in Pakistan to implement best teaching practices. He noted the need to revise the curriculum to align with international standards and emphasized that urgent reforms in teacher training are underway.
In addition, Iqbal revealed plans for establishing a university campus in each district to provide educational opportunities, especially for underprivileged and female students. He expressed his aspiration for Pakistani universities to gain a reputation comparable to India’s IETs and affirmed the government’s commitment to educational reform under Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership.
He expressed hope that future generations will witness a prosperous and developed Pakistan, aiming for the country to rank among the top 15 economies through stability, consistent policies, unity, reforms, and a continued democratic process. He noted the significance of the diaspora in contributing to national success and commended MSG for organizing the conference focused on education.
Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), remarked on the need to keep politics out of education, identifying this as a major challenge. He urged the continuation of educational policies across governments to improve quality. He also noted the detrimental impact of negative social media narratives on educational institutions and emphasized the need for investment in education and health.
Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, highlighted the importance of integrating modern technology into the education system, advocating for collective efforts from educational and technical experts across sectors.
The conference revealed alarming statistics: over 26.2 million children in Pakistan are out of school, with girls constituting 53% of this figure. Additionally, more than 60% of children aged three to five lack access to pre-primary education.
The event included two-panel discussions moderated by leading experts, focusing on “Foundational Learning and Systems Strengthening – Challenges and Opportunities” and “Youth Workforce for Green Skills, Science, Technology, and Innovation,” aimed at fostering dialogue and exploring innovative solutions to strengthen Pakistan’s educational framework.
Shezad Habib, President of MSG, stated, “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. This conference serves as a platform for collaborative action, bringing together diverse stakeholders to tackle the multifaceted challenges within Pakistan’s education sector.”