Government focusing on education for socio-economic uplift: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday said the government was focussing on education for the socio-economic uplift of its people. Speaking here at a Commonwealth Day function, he said Pakistan was working on the objective of 'education for all' as enshrined in Millennium Development Goals, and aimed at improving the access and quality primary education.
He said the Commonwealth was promoting six key areas of education: universal primary education; eliminating gender disparities; improving quality in education; distance learning; supporting education in difficult circumstances; and mitigating impact of HIV/AIDS in education.
"Our Education Reform Programme initiated four years ago encompass all of these six key areas," he added.
Pakistan's national education policy emphasises increased enrolments in public sector schools, removing urban-rural and gender imbalance, improving quality of education at all levels particularly through curriculum reform, strengthening higher education, providing demand-driven education, and encouraging the private sector participation.
The prime minister said events of the last decade, especially globalisation, technological advancement, shift to knowledge-based economy, and the various other challenges had increased the need for focusing on education for socio-economic uplift of country's people.
At present, some 75 million children around the Commonwealth lack access to basic education that equips individuals with skill, knowledge, and enable them to exploit their full potential, and make informed decisions.
"We recognise that education nurtures critical thinking and creativity, promote ideas and innovations, enlighten and empowers the individuals leading to moderation, socio-economic development, political maturity, and regional as well as global peace", he said.
Shaukat Aziz said it was important to think and act together to resolve the issues confronting the comity of nations and work for better future for everybody without compromising our values and beliefs.
"We should look for long-term solution to the problems facing us and build partnerships and create mutual dependencies," he added.
He said a knowledge-based society will better facilitate building of such partnerships and enhance economic development, while ensuring social justice. It will make the world more just and more secure, he added.
Shaukat Aziz said the Commonwealth Day is an opportunity for young people to become aware of the 53 countries that make up the Association, their 1.8 billion peoples and their customs. It promotes understanding on global issues and strengthens international co-operation to improve quality of life.
He said: "We expect our youth to focus their energies on knowledge acquisition, familiarise themselves about technological advancements, and be aware of opportunities unleashed by global integration of economies."
Shaukat Aziz said the Pakistani youth were hardworking, creative, energetic, and dynamic; and was a vital source for transforming the society into a prosperous Pakistan.