Edu Minister Calls For Collective Effort To Improve Literacy Rate
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said Pakistan’s low literacy rate is a serious national problem that requires a joint effort from the government, educational institutions, civil society, and all sections of society.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) to mark International Literacy Day, he stated that despite decades of efforts to promote education in rural and underdeveloped areas, the desired results have remained elusive, necessitating new and workable approaches instead of traditional methods.
The minister proposed utilizing the country’s extensive network of mosques effectively to promote literacy, suggesting that with cooperation from local clerics, communities, and relevant institutions, mosques could serve as short-duration learning centers before noon, providing access to basic education for large numbers of children, young people, and illiterate adults.
During the event, a mobile app titled "Har Shakhs Aik Fard Ko Parhayen" ("Let Everyone Teach One Person") was launched to strengthen the national literacy campaign and encourage students and society segments to teach at least one illiterate person.
National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) Chairman Sadiq Iftikhar called for coordinated, result-oriented measures to boost literacy nationwide, noting NCHD’s work at the community level, focusing on areas with limited educational facilities.
NCHD Director General Ali Asghar emphasized the importance of involving local communities as active participants in literacy programs, adding that successful programs are designed around local needs, available resources, and community involvement.
Allama Iqbal Open University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood, stated that with genuine commitment, the light of education can reach every individual, even with limited resources, and that the university continues to serve those unable to access traditional institutions due to geographical, economic, or other constraints.
Balochistan’s provincial Education Minister, Raheela Durrani, highlighted the unique literacy challenges in her province due to geographical difficulties, remote populations, and a shortage of educational facilities, emphasizing the need for effective cooperation between federal and provincial governments, local communities, and development partners.
The event was attended by UNESCO representative Fawad Pashayev, UNICEF representative Dr. Shermeela Rasool, JICA representative Muhammad Bilal Aziz, Ministry of Education specialist Sana Isa, and Amna Kamal from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.
