'Education fund to support students'

Prime minister meets outgoing Palestinian envoy

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stated that the government had established the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund to support children from low-income families to obtain higher education.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Israr Khan Kakar, the newly elected President of Oxford Union of UK's Oxford University, noted that a 20 per cent quota had been allocated for the youth of Balochistan under the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund.

He warmly welcomed Israr Kakar at the PM House, appreciated him for bringing fame to Pakistan, and said that talented youth like him could guarantee a bright future for Pakistan.

He lauded Kakar for contesting and winning the Oxford Union election as a manifestation of his steadfastness and firm resolve. He expressed the hope that Pakistani youth like Israr Kakar would continue to bring laurels to Pakistan.

"Winning a scholarship throughout his academic career and then his election as president of a great body like Oxford Union by a youngster coming from a backward area of Balochistan is a matter of pride," the prime minister remarked.

Inviting him to address the Oxford Union, Israr Kakar appreciated the premier for his government's measures for youth empowerment and for providing them equal opportunities.

"All of the youth like me are resolved to offer all-out services for Pakistan's progress and prosperity," Kakar remarked.

Meanwhile, the PM has called a National Education Emergency Task Force meeting on Thursday (tomorrow).

Two-state solution

Separately, the premier reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.

He strongly condemned Israel's actions against innocent civilians in Gaza.

In a meeting with outgoing Palestinian Ambassador Ahmed Jawad AA Rabei at the PM House, Shehbaz expressed deep concern over Israel's actions since October 7, 2023.

"Israel's barbarism has resulted in the heart-wrenching deaths of over 40,000 innocent Palestinians, including women and children, with more than 90,000 injured," he stated.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to finding a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution.

He emphasised that the creation of an independent state of Palestine, with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds as its capital, was the only viable solution in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

"Establishing an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital is the sustainable solution," he added.

Ambassador Rabei expressed his gratitude to the premier for Pakistan's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and for the hospitality extended to him during his five-year tenure.