Islamabad, In a significant policy meeting with British High Commissioner Ms. Jane Marriott, Pakistan’s Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, announced a new initiative declaring an education emergency to tackle the growing challenge of out-of-school children and urban educational disparities.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting highlighted the urgent need to address the educational gaps exacerbated by rapid urbanization and the expansion of slums, which are often overlooked in policy planning. Minister Siddiqui emphasized that the education of these marginalized areas is not just expenditure but an essential investment in the nation’s future. He appealed for the UK’s support in this endeavor, particularly in eliminating barriers to schooling for out-of-school children. The minister also discussed the ambition to train one million youths in the IT sector, aiming to position Pakistan as a major supplier of IT professionals globally.
Ms. Marriott reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan, noting the longstanding partnership between the two nations since 1947. She mentioned the expansion of the UK’s green program and its potential to increase enrollment of Pakistani students in UK universities through distance learning programs. The conversation also touched on the importance of mental health support for students, with plans to establish dedicated desks in colleges across Islamabad. Additionally, the implementation of a National Nutrition Program aims to boost school enrollment by improving student health.
The meeting underscored the need for a unified approach to educational reforms, with Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, Secretary of Education, revealing plans to align various stakeholders, including donors and NGOs, to streamline efforts. The British Council’s Country Director, Mr. James Hampson, indicated that after China, Pakistan hosts the largest British Council program, expressing hopes for further collaboration, especially in educational outreach in slum areas.