PM Shehbaz declares ‘education emergency’ on International Literacy Day
- September 9, 2024
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On September 8, International Literacy Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the value of literacy for empowering individuals and expanding economic prospects on Sunday.
Pakistan has a 59 percent literacy rate, according to WorldMetrics, but the nation also has the issue of 23 million children who are not in school.
The government's continued low investment in education—just 2.8 percent of GDP—contributes to inadequate facilities, restricted access to high-quality education, and a teacher shortage, especially in rural areas.
According to a statement released by his office, the prime minister stated that literacy is a fundamental human right and protected by the constitution. The future of our nation is guaranteed by literacy and education.
He went on, "Literacy is more than just being able to read and write." It serves as a doorway to economic opportunity, social engagement, and empowerment.
The prime minister reiterated the administration's dedication to pushing the national education agenda in order to create a better informed citizenry.
The foundation of our civilization is education, he insisted. To achieve this, we have instituted midday meals in schools, started a student enrollment drive, and declared an emergency in education across the nation.
In order to lower the dropout rate and motivate every child to finish their school, we have also implemented scholarships and other incentives, he continued.
According to Sharif, the government is making every effort to incorporate technology into the educational system so that young people in Pakistan have the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.
He pointed out that the government of Pakistan collaborates with the corporate sector and civil society organizations on an equal footing to promote education throughout the country.
He continued, We can link education to employment and self-employment prospects by forming strong partnerships, which will increase the size and diversity of the workforce.