Islamabad; December 16, 2019: Speaker, National Assembly Asad Qaiser has suggested for raising an Educational Army as an emergent measure to enhance the literacy rate in the country. The Speaker said that 20 million children were still out of school and concerted efforts were required to bring those Children, back to school. He termed children, the future and treasured asset of any country. He expressed these views while addressing a seminar “Ilm Possible” organized by British Council in Islamabad, today.

The Speaker said that education was imperative for progress and prosperity of the any country. He stressed the need for imparting quality education to children without discrimination as it was directly linked with the development of any nation. He suggested that a uniform educational system throughout the country will bring rural areas at par with the urban areas. He also urged upon the Social Sector Organizations to come forward and supplement the efforts of the Government. The Speaker suggested for incentivizing the educationists and enhancing their capacity for sustainable growth in the standard education.

Recalling the 16th Dec, 2014 tragedy, the Speaker termed it a black day in the history of Pakistan whereby a brutal attempt was made to disrupt the peace and educational activities in the country. He said that, the gruesome attempt inflicted irreparable wound, however, the resilience of the students, teachers and parents of the martyrs gave a new spirit and zeal to the nation to fight against enemies of the country. He said that the despite the catastrophe, the educational activities continued with same enthusiasm.

Apprising the participants about the resolve of the present government towards education, the Speaker said that government had determined to enhance the standard of education in the country. He said that raising the rate of literacy up to 70 % in next four years was utmost priority of the incumbent government. He underlined the need for concerted efforts to enroll 20 million children who were still out of schools. He said that in order to achieve this gigantic task, a cohesive strategy by federal and provincial and social sector organizations need to be formulated. He suggested for raising an educational army comprising educated volunteers. He impressed upon the provincial governments to patronize the proposed education Army. Referring to provision of the Constitution of Pakistan the Speaker said that Article 25-A of the Constitution guarantees education of all. He said that Quran also stressed for education and it was further reiterated in the sayings of Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Speaker said that today’s children are the future of the nation and bringing them to school was imperative. 

Lauding the efforts of British Council, the Speaker said that the Council had played a pivotal role in organizing the efforts for fostering educational activities in the country. He congratulated British High Commissioner and the British Council for successful organization of the Seminar on such an important issue.