ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman has said that youth are the biggest assets of Pakistan and the investment in youth is vital to ensure Country’s bright future.
“I am pleased to congratulate the high achievers for making their parents and Country proud. I am expecting that each one of you will utilize the knowledge and skills to serve humanity and Country with strong sense of patriotism and responsibility,” the mistier said while addressing as Chief Guest at the Pearson Annual Outstanding Learners Award Ceremony at Serena Hotel in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Pearson is the United Kingdom’s largest awarding body and offers diverse range of academic and vocational qualifications in collaboration with the British Council.
Baligh-ur-Rehman said that budget allocations for education sector have been enhanced and the steps are being taken for the promotion of education in the Country. He noted that number of out of school children in the Country dropped sharply.
The minister said that the government believes in establishing public-private collaborations for introducing new concepts and best practices in the Country.
Baligh said that Pearson works closely with the government of Punjab. Sir Michael Barber from Pearson visits quite frequently as adviser to the Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on bringing reforms in education sector and is currently engaged in different projects.
In recent past, Shahbaz Sharif visited Pearson Head Office in London where Chairperson Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) Irfan Qaiser Sheikh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pearson to introduce Pearson vocational qualifications in TEVTA Punjab Centres, he said.
The minister said that this joint initiative of British Council and Pearson not only imparts foreign qualification to the students but also strengthen cooperation among the countries.
Baligh-ur-Rehman also presented awards and certificates to the high achievers.
