Islamabad: The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights of the National Assembly held a National Symposium titled “National Education Emergency: On Out-of-School Children,” led by MNA Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, to tackle the pressing issue of 26.3 million out-of-school children (OOSC) in Pakistan. The symposium, which took place in Islamabad, brought together parliamentarians, provincial ministers, and senior officials to focus on legislative measures and collaborative efforts needed to address this educational crisis.
According to a statement by National Assembly of Pakistan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan welcomed the distinguished guests, highlighting the factors contributing to the high number of OOSC, such as gender inequality, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. She emphasized the significance of the Prime Minister’s declaration of an Educational Emergency as a crucial call to action.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training presented strategies to combat the OOSC challenge. Secretary Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani and his team outlined initiatives like the Prime Minister’s School Meal Program and the Health and Hygiene Program, among others, aimed at improving educational access.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, delivered a keynote address stressing the need to reinterpret societal norms that prevent girls’ education. He advocated for collective decision-making and legislative measures to prevent brain drain and create opportunities for the youth.
The symposium included discussions led by MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gillani, who called for data sharing and legislation to penalize parents who keep children out of school for child labor. Other speakers emphasized the need to address ghost schools and ensure policy uniformity.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their insights and suggestions. A group photo of the attendees was taken to commemorate the symposium.