UK's 'City & Guilds' gets green light to operate in Pakistan

In a step forward for Pakistan's educational landscape, the Federal Ministry of Education has granted permission for the UK-based City & Guilds educational board to operate in Pakistan. The approval comes from the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), marking a pivotal moment for vocational and general education in the country. This collaboration will launch GEMS Pathway — an initiative that will issue globally recognised certifications equivalent to Matriculation (SSC) and Intermediate (HSSC) levels, alongside vocational training certifications.

A Global Skills Summit, titled 'Shaping Future Pakistan', was held on Thursday evening at a local hotel in Karachi to introduce this ground-breaking initiative. The event saw key figures such as Minister of State for Education, Wajiha Qamar, Chairperson of the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Ghulmina Bilal, and Executive Director of IBCC, Ghulam Ali Mollah, address attendees on the importance of this new chapter in education.

During the event, GEMS Pathway revealed that it had begun offering crucial certifications for students across Pakistan. These Skill Certificates, equivalent to A-Levels and Intermediate qualifications, will be internationally recognised, setting a new benchmark for educational standards in the country.

Wajiha Qamar, the Federal Minister of State for Education, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. "City & Guilds is our trusted international partner, and their qualifications are well-respected worldwide. We are grateful that they have chosen Pakistan to launch their global education programme," she said.

Ghulam Ali Mollah, Executive Director of IBCC, emphasised that City & Guilds has a long-standing presence in the vocational education sector and that its expansion into general education is a milestone for Pakistan. "IBCC is the authority for recognising foreign qualifications, ensuring governance and transparency. Now, City & Guilds is fully authorised to operate in Pakistan," he confirmed.

For City & Guilds, this marks the beginning of a broader engagement with the Pakistani education system. Having already introduced the International Foundation Programme, AGCC (Matric), and A-Level certifications, they are now extending their educational services.