Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has expressed serious concern over the large number of out-of-school children in Pakistan and proposed declaring a national education emergency to address the crisis.
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Speaking at a high-level meeting on Wednesday, Siddiqui said he would advise Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet to consider declaring an education emergency. The proposed move aims to bring out-of-school children back into the education system and reduce disparities in access to educational opportunities.
The minister also directed the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to accelerate work on a strategy for training one million technology and IT-skilled workers.
The initiative will be funded through the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and is intended to help develop a workforce equipped with skills needed in the rapidly changing technology sector.
School Meals Programme Planned for Islamabad
Siddiqui also announced plans to introduce a comprehensive School Meals Programme in all government primary schools in Islamabad.
The programme will focus on improving students’ nutrition while also promoting better health and hygiene among schoolchildren. The initiative is aimed at supporting children’s development alongside their formal education.
Focus on Girls’ Education
During the meeting, the federal education minister highlighted the importance of reducing the gender gap in literacy and education.
He emphasized the need for greater support for initiatives that improve girls’ access to education, describing girls’ education as an important part of Pakistan’s broader development objectives.
National Conference on Out-of-School Children
The minister further announced plans to organize a National Conference in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The conference will focus on finding solutions to the growing challenge of out-of-school children and addressing learning poverty through the use of technology.
The proposed initiatives reflect the ministry’s stated focus on expanding access to education, developing technology skills and improving the overall learning environment for children across Pakistan.
