Education, Skills Development Crucial for Pakistan’s Development: Minister Qaiser Sheikh
Education, skills development, and training are key to propelling Pakistan into the ranks of developed nations, stated Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh. This was during his address at the inauguration and orientation ceremony of Richmond Institute of Higher Education in Faisalabad on August 27, 2026.
Sheikh emphasized that Pakistan’s focus needs to shift towards education, a sector often overlooked amidst resource allocation to other sectors. He believes this diversion has hindered the country’s development progress.
"Pakistan’s economic and social advancement is intrinsically linked to the quality of its human capital," he said. Investing in education, skills, and training is essential for building a robust, competitive, and self-reliant nation.
The minister urged political and institutional stakeholders to set aside differences for the national interest and formulate a "Charter of Economy" to ensure policy continuity and create an environment conducive to investment, business, and sustainable growth.
He highlighted that education and healthcare are vital pillars of development, with Pakistan currently spending only a fraction of its GDP on education, leaving over 25 million children out of school. Reforms and increased access to quality education are urgent national priorities.
Citing China as an example, Sheikh noted the country’s remarkable transformation through consistent focus on education, training, and skills development. Pakistan can learn from this experience by empowering its youth with both academic knowledge and practical skills, enhancing employment prospects, entrepreneurship, and overall productivity.
