The ability to learn and focus on precise detail was something unique to humans among all other species, enabling them to achieve the wonders of the world. This ability could be traced back to the origin of life on Earth. The fact that the nations advanced in education were also leading the world clearly highlighted the importance of effective learning.
In the modern times, the economies would find that excelling in innovations like biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum mechanics, and modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) would be the key deciding factor in determining which economies of the world would be leading in the emerging knowledge-driven world order.
Education was a powerful tool for transforming the patterns of thought within the individuals and the nations. It holds top priority in the social sector of developing countries, including Pakistan.
Historically speaking, the education sector has faced numerous challenges which have prevented it from delivering the expected desired outcomes.
Undoubtedly, education has been a neglected area, but its role in shaping the future of the nations is now being widely recognized. As a result, significant efforts and resources were being directed through the introduction of blended learning and modern technologies.
The incumbent federal government headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indeed was fully aware of these challenges and was duly committed to prioritizing the education sector. Furthermore, efforts were also being made for bringing out-of-school children into schools, improving the quality of education, and creating a conducive learning environment, among other initiatives. Due emphasis was also being placed on both primary and higher education for making the younger generation competitive from an early age. For a country like Pakistan, this focus was even more critical for socio-economic development, as it facilitated the effective transition of its large youth population.
Focusing on the provincial level offered a comprehensive overview of the government efforts for spreading education and knowledge throughout the population. Additionally, skill development was also a crucial component of the educational framework and it has become a top government priority, with notable achievements and ongoing projects duly highlighted for clarity.Â
Transforming 63 percent of the youth into real assets quite obviously required optimal capitalization through the establishment of high-quality market-driven primary, secondary and higher education institutions. Education was undeniably crucial for shaping the individuals and societies in contemporary times. It was the cornerstone for economic prosperity. Education as such goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition, it focuses on developing critical thinking abilities and practical skills that were essentially required for navigating life ‘s multifaceted challenges. Moreover, it also promoted social cohesion, tolerance, and a sense of unity, empowered by education, individuals were duly poised for making their substantive contributions to their communities and the broader global milieu. Education was not solely about attaining some credentials, but more importantly about empowering the individuals and catalyzing their positive societal transformation as well.
Article 25A of the Constitution mandates free and compulsory education for children aged five to 16, as does Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also in line with the objectives of ” URAAN Pakistan” vision. It provides an in-depth analysis of enrolment trends across the regions and genders, the expansion of higher education institutions, the composition of faculty Ph.D. vs non-Ph.D. and significant initiatives of Higher Education Development in Pakistan project. It also underscored the strategic achievement, institutional reforms and new initiatives in the higher education sector, particularly focusing on the promotion of research and development within the higher education institutions.
Focusing on the provincial level offered a comprehensive overview of the government efforts for spreading education and knowledge throughout the population. Additionally, skill development was also a crucial component of the educational framework and it has become a top government priority, with notable achievements and ongoing projects duly highlighted for clarity.
Central to this effort was the essential role of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTEC) in providing professional training to youth and the skilled workforce, enhancing national productivity, and facilitating the export of labour abroad.
It is good to note here briefly that PM Shehbaz Sharif is very keen for mainstreaming the youth, equipping them with proper education and skills and directing all concerned quite frequently to continue taking appropriate measures in this regard.
