Islamabad – May 2, 2025:
In a bold and urgent move, the Government of Pakistan has officially declared an “Education Emergency” across the country to address the alarming number of out-of-school children, which has now exceeded 26 million. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a recent press briefing, emphasized that no nation can progress without universal education.
“Education is not just a right; it’s a national duty,” he said. “Every child we fail to educate is a future we choose to ignore.”
🏫 Nationwide Reforms and Budget Boost
To back this commitment, the federal education budget has been tripled, now crossing Rs 25 billion. A significant portion will be allocated to new school construction, recruiting trained teachers, and digitizing classrooms—especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Rs 5 billion has been allocated for new Daanish Schools in Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK.
- Rs 5 billion will fund youth skill development under the PM’s initiative.
💻 Digital Pakistan: Tech-Based Learning for All
In partnership with global tech companies, provinces like Punjab and Sindh are rolling out digital reforms in schools. The Punjab government has collaborated with Google to issue Digital Student IDs linked with learning platforms. Moreover, over 500,000 Chromebooks are set to be distributed nationwide under a $200 million tech agreement.
These laptops are not just for elite institutions—they’ll be handed out in public schools, madaris, and vocational centers to reduce the digital divide.
👩🏫 Focus on Girls’ Education
With dropout rates among girls still high in remote areas, the government is working with NGOs and international partners to launch campaigns that provide incentives for families to send girls to school. Free transport, uniforms, and monthly stipends are part of the new initiative named “Taleem Rozan”.
Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui remarked:
“When we educate a girl, we educate a generation. It’s time Pakistan treated every school-going girl like a national asset.”
🧑💻 Vocational and IT Education Drive
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has announced an ambitious program to train 500,000 youth in information technology and freelancing skills this year. New tech centers will open in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, offering courses from basic coding to AI applications.
