PM declares nationwide education emergency

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared an education emergency across the country on Sunday on the occasion of International Literacy Day, urging the private sector and civil society organisations to collaborate with the government in addressing the pressing challenges of education.

"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the education agenda, striving for a more informed and sustainable nation," the prime minister said in a message.

International Literacy Day, observed globally on September 8, serves as a reminder to policy-makers, educators, and the public of the crucial role literacy plays in creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The day highlights the need for urgent action in promoting literacy, especially in regions facing significant barriers to education.

Unesco has pointed out that a staggering three out of four children in developing countries cannot still read or comprehend basic texts by the age of 10. Additionally, there are 754 million illiterate adults globally, two-thirds of whom are women.

Addressing these statistics, PM Shehbaz announced a series of initiatives: "For this purpose, we have declared an educational emergency across the country, launched an enrolment campaign for students, and initiated mid-day meals for children in schools."

"Literacy is a fundamental human and constitutional right that guarantees the future of our country," he said, stressing that literacy goes beyond reading and writing, and is a "gateway to empowerment, economic opportunities, and active participation in society."

To tackle the dropout rate and encourage children to complete their education, the prime minister highlighted the introduction of scholarships and other incentives. He further stressed the need to align education with the demands of the modern world.

"In this rapidly emerging world, developing literacy and skills in line with technology is inevitable," he remarked, adding that the government was working on a comprehensive plan to integrate technology into the educational system, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.

Recognising the importance of collaboration, PM Shehbaz called on the private sector and civil society organisations to play their part.

"By establishing effective partnerships, we can link education with employment and self-employment opportunities, creating a stronger and more inclusive workforce," he noted.

This recent declaration follows the prime minister's earlier announcement of an education emergency in May, during which he pledged to enrol around 26 million out-of-school children.

"Today, with iron conviction, and the support of provinces, we will handle the challenge of 26 million out-of-school children. We will bring them back to school… I declare from this moment an Emergency in Education all over Pakistan… The way we did it in Punjab, we will do it in Pakistan," PM Shehbaz had stated at the National Conference on Education Emergency.

He vowed to personally oversee the program and engage with all provincial chief ministers, irrespective of political affiliations, to ensure unified efforts in addressing the education crisis.

The prime minister also highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan, including stunted growth and the need for substantial financial resources to support the education sector.