Islamabad: September 7, 2013; Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly has said that literacy is a key to promote the positive attitudes of tolerance, moderation and harmony in our society. In his message to the nation on the occasion of International Literacy Day being commemorated worldwide under the auspices of United Nation on 8th September, he said that the goal of curbing violence in society, achieving sustainable growth, gender equality and decreasing population escalation cannot be achieved without improving literacy levels in our country. He said that Pakistan lags way behind among countries of the world in literacy and education. “We have to traverse a great distance and invest more resources and time to catch up with the world in education” the Speaker said.

Recognizing right to education in Article 25-A of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan states, “The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law” he said. The Speaker said that Pakistan is facing the challenge of terrorism as well as extremism. The durable solution of these menaces lies in the provision of quality educational, literacy and job opportunities to the youths.

The Speaker said that illiteracy is a national challenge and we are committed to do everything possible to meeting the Millennium Development Goals for a better Pakistan. Media and private sector have a critical role to play in this regard. He said that literacy is not merely the skill to read and write. It is a transformational process that empowers individuals, broadens their critical thinking and provides them with the ability to act. He urged the educational planners to adopt a multi-pronged strategy for provision of basic education to all through both formal and non-formal basic education programs. He also call upon the intergovernmental organizations, development partners, nongovernmental organizations, employers, trade unions and civil society organizations to help Pakistan attain the goals of ‘Education for All’.