Islamabad: Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has underscored the importance of augmenting non-formal technical education alongside traditional educational frameworks. His remarks came during a ceremony in Islamabad marking International Literacy Day.

According to Radio Pakistan, Siddiqui highlighted literacy as a cornerstone for dignity, self-respect, and poverty alleviation—challenges that are paramount for the nation. He identified out-of-school children as a significant concern for the government and stressed that the future of Pakistan hinges on its educated and skilled youth. With 150 million young people in the country, Siddiqui noted that this demographic could either be a liability or an asset.

Siddiqui remarked that despite education being a provincial matter after the 18th Amendment, the Federal government remains dedicated to ensuring every child has access to equal educational opportunities. He commended teachers for their dedication to integrating out-of-school children into the educational system.

The Minister called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders—including the government, private sector, and international partners—to enhance the quality of education in Pakistan and to boost school enrollment rates.