Islamabad: In a significant step towards addressing educational challenges in Pakistan, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired the first meeting of the Education Task Force. The session was marked by discussions on the urgent need for educational reforms and was attended by notable stakeholders including Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, chief secretaries of all provinces, and representatives from several international organizations and educational institutes.
According to Press Information Department, Minister Ahsan Iqbal opened the meeting by expressing his concerns over the alarming state of education in the country. He pointed out that around 25 million children in Pakistan are out of school and the literacy rate is critically low at 60%. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment not only to increase enrollment but also to enhance the quality of education. He highlighted the necessity of equipping children with basic computer skills and modern technical education, and the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories.
The discussions also touched upon the significant challenge of teacher training. Ahsan Iqbal underscored that without substantial improvements in this area, educational reforms are unlikely to be successful. Moreover, he stressed the importance of vocational and technical training in addition to formal education, to prepare students to be productive members of society.
The Federal Minister also referred to a Federal Public Service Commission report that pointed out several gaps in the current curriculum, underscoring the need for its alignment with international standards. He remarked on the negative impact of the 18th Amendment on education, which devolved the responsibility of education to the provinces, noting a decline in the literacy rate since its enactment in 2010.
During the meeting, the contributions of international partners were acknowledged, with a call for enhanced public-private partnerships in the education sector. Ahsan Iqbal assured that the federal government would collaborate closely with provincial governments to implement effective measures.
In his concluding remarks, Ahsan Iqbal reflected on the broader implications of educational reform for national development, emphasizing the need for stability and policy continuity to achieve long-term success. He projected a forward-looking vision towards the centennial of Pakistan’s independence, underscoring the importance of evaluating progress and setting future goals.