Punjab committed to 100% literacy goal

Minister says disease and unemployment can be eradicated through an educated society


Our Correspondent September 21, 2017
PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Dr Farrukh Javed said poverty, disease and unemployment can only be eradicated through literacy.

“It is a prophetic profession; therefore, the people associated with it are our real heroes.” He said that authorities will make literacy schools in each district after a demographic survey. He added it was the government’s responsibility to provide free and quality education to all citizens, especially children. “The department is striving to achieve this goal.”

Literacy rate in Pakistan slips by 2% 

The minister was addressing a consultative workshop to finalise the “Punjab Literacy Policy” at Faletti’s hotel on Wednesday. The purpose of the workshop was to consult stakeholders when formulating the Punjab Literacy Policy.



Literacy Secretary Dr Ismat Tahira, former minister Shaheen Ateequr Rahman, representatives of the government and private sector as well as renowned educators were present on the occasion.

Dr. Farrukh Javed, in his address, said authorities were striving to make Punjab 100% literate by 2030. He added the department had educated more than 1.8 million adolescent and 500,000 adult students in a short span of time.

'Pakistan's 65% literacy rate a matter of concern'

He added more than 400,000 children were still studying in 13,000 non-formal basic education schools. More than 36,000 adults were also studying in 6,300 ALC’s. He said that their doors were open to increase public-private partnership and authorities planned to cooperate with NGO's to increase the literacy rate.

“The government is responsible for educating all citizens, especially children. He said that despite limited resources and unexpected circumstances, the literacy department was giving its all to achieve the goal of a literate Punjab.

He said that due to the department’s efforts, children of labourers and farmers were gaining some knowledge.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2017.

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