On Sunday, International Literacy Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared an education emergency across Pakistan, urging private sector and civil organizations to collaborate with the government to advance the education agenda.
In his message, the prime minister emphasized the need for a more informed and sustainable nation, stating, “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the education agenda, striving for a more informed and sustainable nation.”
International Literacy Day, observed on September 8, aims to highlight the importance of literacy in creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. UNESCO reports that three out of four children in developing countries cannot read or comprehend a basic text by age 10, and 754 million adults globally remain illiterate, two-thirds of whom are women.
To address these challenges, the government has launched an enrollment campaign for students and introduced mid-day meals in schools. “Literacy is a fundamental human and constitutional right that guarantees the future of our country,” the prime minister said, describing literacy as a gateway to empowerment, economic opportunities, and active participation in society.
To reduce dropout rates and encourage education, the government has introduced scholarships and other incentives. PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of integrating technology into the educational system to equip the youth with skills needed for the digital economy.
He also emphasized the role of the private sector and civil society in achieving educational goals, stating, “By establishing effective partnerships, we can link education with employment and self-employment opportunities, creating a stronger and more inclusive workforce.”
Earlier in May, the prime minister vowed to tackle the challenge of 26 million out-of-school children, declaring an education emergency. He committed to personally overseeing the program and working with provincial leaders to ensure every child has access to education.
To support children from low-income families, the government recently established the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, with a 20% quota reserved for the youth of Balochistan. During a meeting with Oxford Union President Israr Khan Kakar, PM Shehbaz praised Kakar’s achievement and expressed hope that young Pakistanis would continue to make the nation proud.
