Education Emergency and Our Responsibility

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Islamabad

May 31, 2024

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) organized a conference on Education Emergency and Our Responsibility. It was presided over by Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, an MNA from Rawalpindi. It brought well-renowned educationists like Dr. Syeda Zia Batool, Chairperson of the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad.

Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President of ICCI, set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the critical need for a united effort to tackle the country's educational deficiencies. The Lift Welfare Foundation, a co-organizer of the event, presented several compelling cases of its work in underserved areas, highlighting its mission to harness the energy of youth and volunteers in uplifting communities through education.

The ICCI president showcased a documentary illustrating his team's dedication to the cause. The documentary was acclaimed, reinforcing the chamber's resolve to support the education emergency initiative recently introduced by the Prime Minister.

In his speech, Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari, Former president of the ICCI and Secretary General of the United Business Group, lauded the Prime Minister's foresight in declaring an education emergency for the next four years, outlining clear, achievable goals. He pledged full support to the government, recognizing the monumental task ahead. His commitment was echoed by Ms. Asma Malik, CEO of the Lift Welfare Foundation, who stressed the importance of reaching remote areas and empowering girls with ICT skills to enhance their prospects.

Muhammad Bilal Aziz, Program Specialist for Youth and Adult Literacy at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), shared his organizational commitment and contributions to uplifting Pakistani education.

Senator Muhammad Atiq Sheikh, known as the First Digital Senator, brought attention to the pivotal role of IT in addressing educational challenges and advocating for technological integration in learning processes.

Dr. Syeda Zia Batool, in her very passionate speech, detailed her efforts to support schooling at all levels, including introducing digital schools to broaden opportunities for the youth. She eloquently connected Islamic values with the objectives of the education emergency, offering a culturally resonant perspective on the issue.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar praised the ICCI's initiatives, particularly Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari's dynamic leadership. He commended Bakhtawari's outreach efforts and commitment to educational programs, highlighting the critical role of young leaders in driving progress. According to Prof. Mukhtar, the National Skills University Islamabad efforts align with the educational emergency, and we are creating numerous opportunities to be the most productive contributor to the Prime Minister's initiative. He also mentioned that under the leadership of Secretary Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, the university is ascending day by day in digitalization in TVET, which is very much needed for the country's progress.

Concluding the conference, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi applauded the ICCI's efforts and acknowledged the significant contributions of educationists like Professor Mukhtar in establishing the Danish School Project in South Punjab. In the past, Prof. Mukhtar, as Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University Bahawalpur, significantly contributed to establishing schools/universities and supervising teacher training for these educational setups. Mr. Abbasi emphasized the importance of infrastructural improvements and teacher training, sharing his commitment to ensuring no school in his constituency suffers from inadequate facilities.

Praising the contributions of youth and energetic Mr. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, he assured us that he would support all ICCI initiatives that promote education. He also shared his vision that the Education Emergency must complement improving school conditions nationwide.

The event concluded with shields and souvenirs being presented to the distinguished guests, symbolizing the unity and shared responsibility in addressing the education crisis.

The stage secretary, Mr. Shahbaz Chouhan, thanked all the audience members for their patience in listening. According to him, Pakistan's bright future lies in the success of the educational emergency. We must heed this call to action as a nation, mobilizing resources and willpower to ensure every child has access to quality education.

The ICCI is already leading the charge in gathering like-minded people to move forward through collective action.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Education Emergency and Our Responsibility

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar