Islamabad: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed concern on Wednesday regarding the declining literacy rates in Pakistan since the decentralization of education following the 2010 Constitutional Amendment. He emphasized the urgent need for educational reforms.
During the debut meeting of the Training Team, went to by different authorities including Clergyman for Data Innovation Shaza Fatima Khawaja and delegates from associations like UNICEF, UNESCO, and the World Bank, Iqbal noticed that the exchange of instructive position to common state run administrations has unfavorably impacted education levels. He stated that while changes are pivotal, they may find success assuming instructor preparing is focused on.
Highlighting the alarming state of education in Pakistan, Iqbal pointed out that approximately 25 million children are currently out of school, with the overall literacy rate stagnating at around 60 percent. “Our objective isn’t just to enlist kids yet in addition to give them quality training,” he expressed.
The minister called for the national curriculum to be revised, addressing various deficiencies identified by the Federal Public Service Commission, to ensure it meets global standards. He stressed that every child should have access to basic computer skills and modern technical education, alongside vocational training, to prepare them for a productive role in society.
Iqbal also underscored the need to improve health outcomes, noting that Pakistan ranks high in cases of diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis. He underlined the significance of coordinated effort among public and confidential areas in both training and wellbeing.
The minister assured that the federal government would support provincial efforts to tackle these pressing issues, advocating for stability and long-term policies rather than short-term fixes. As the meeting concluded, he reflected on Pakistan’s future, stating, “As we approach our centenary in 24 years, we must assess our progress and define our aspirations moving forward.”
