International Literacy Day today: PM says working with provincial authorities to raise literacy rate

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday the government was working with provincial authorities to raise the country’s literacy rate, expand access to quality education and enrol out-of-school children.

In a message in connection with International Literacy Day being celebrated on September 8 (today), the prime minister said the government was pursuing a comprehensive strategy focused on inclusive education, digital literacy, skills development, research and innovation.

“Literacy plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of life of individuals and nations,” he said, adding that education and learning were essential to achieving progress and prosperity.

The government had launched special programmes to enrol children who were outside the formal education system, while Daanish Schools were providing free education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly orphans, he said.

Sharif said the government was also seeking to strengthen vocational training to equip young people with skills suited to international and domestic labour markets.

The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) had been made more effective and dynamic to provide globally competitive and market-oriented skills, he said.

The prime minister said stronger links between education, vocational training and labour-market needs could help young people secure employment, pursue entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth.

He also called for greater emphasis on women’s education and empowerment, saying inclusive development required women to have equal opportunities to develop their capabilities and participate in national development.

Sharif said literacy also played an important role in raising awareness about climate change, environmental degradation and other challenges facing societies in the 21st century.

“Informed and responsible citizens can play a more effective role in protecting and sustainably developing our natural resources,” he said.

International Literacy Day is being observed this year under the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity,” which highlights the role of literacy in sustainable development.

Sharif said improving literacy and building a quality education system required coordinated efforts by federal and provincial governments, educational institutions, teachers, students, parents, civil society, development partners, the private sector and the media.

“Promoting literacy and fostering cooperation in education and learning must undoubtedly remain an individual, national and global priority,” he said.

He urged the country to renew its commitment to equipping younger generations with knowledge and skills to help secure a more prosperous future.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026