Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a national education emergency aimed at tackling the significant challenge of educating approximately 26 million out-of-school children. Addressing the National Conference on Education Emergency, the Prime Minister expressed determination to enroll these children in schools across the country, emphasizing the need to prioritize literacy and elevate Pakistan to a leading position among the world’s educated societies.
“I declare an Education Emergency across Pakistan starting today”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting his commitment to personally oversee the initiative and collaborate with provincial leaders regardless of political affiliations. He emphasized the critical role of unity in achieving this ambitious goal, drawing parallels with other nations that rebounded from adversity to become global leaders in education.
The conference, attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians, educators, diplomats, and development partners, underscored the urgency of addressing Pakistan’s educational challenges. Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui echoed these concerns, describing Pakistan’s education statistics as alarming and stressing the imperative for immediate action.
Abdullah A. Fadil, representing UNICEF in Pakistan, lamented that a staggering 70% of Pakistani children aged 10 struggle with basic literacy. He called for increased investment in education to restore Pakistan’s legacy as a leader in fields such as science and technology.
The British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, emphasized the need for enhanced funding and inclusive education policies to empower Pakistan’s youthful population. She pledged support for initiatives aimed at transforming Pakistan’s educational landscape.
In a video message, World Food Programmer Country Director Coco Ushiyama highlighted the interdependence of education and food security, advocating for school meal programs to bolster Pakistan’s future.
World Bank Vice President Martin Raiser addressed the impact of climate change on Pakistan’s education system, urging investments in climate resilience to safeguard educational infrastructure.
Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s fastest mountaineer emphasized the transformative power of education in achieving personal dreams, urging increased resources for girls’ education.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to establish the Pakistan Skill Company and Pakistan Skill Development Fund, aimed at enhancing technical and vocational education nationwide to bolster employment prospects for Pakistani workers abroad.
The initiatives underscore a concerted effort by Pakistan’s leadership to address educational disparities and lay the foundation for a more educated and prosperous society.
