Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday proposed to create US-Pak Knowledge Corridor to support the bilateral ties between the two countries that spanned more than six decades. Giving his opening remarks at the meeting of US-Pakistan Education, Science & Technology Working Group, Federal Minister said that history has given its verdict despite ups and downs between the two countries that they can't walk away from each other and have to work together.
Therefore, both countries need to nurture areas of co-operation for a sustainable partnership. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal led the Pakistan side and US Under Secretary of Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy Richard Stengel headed the US delegation in the working group meeting. "We look forward for expanded co-operation from US side in development sector and need far greater co-operation in areas of education, science and technology," minister urged and added that policy of present government revolves around laying strong foundations of lasting economy that brings with it inclusive development and enhances peace and stability.
Minister briefed the US delegation about the various initiatives present government has taken to target the education, science and technology areas. The focus of Vision 2025 is on improving access, relevance and quality of education. Recounting the steps government is taking, minister said that Rs 10 billion endowment fund (NEST) has been established to support financially poor students aspiring higher education. Also, Science Talent Farming Scheme, one billion rupees Technology Innovative Fund to integrate knowledge and production platforms together have been set up, he stated.
Minister said that National Curriculum Council has been set up to modify the national curriculum for promoting creativity, innovation and critical thinking and problems solving skills. Along the reform of nation-wide examination system, an initiative has been launched to establish campus and sub-campus of universities at district levels.
He also briefed about government's scheme to distribute laptops among the needy distinguished students of educational institutions across the country to link them with the digital education and learning. Minister said that since coming to power two years back, present government focused greatly on education sector particularly higher education and allocation has been increased from Rs 40 billion to Rs 65 billion, which is highest in history.
Minister admired the strong and quality network of universities in USA and said that these are backbone of USA. "If I have a choice to borrow one thing from USA I will definitely go for university system of USA," minister remarked. Minister said that country has a high youth population and to turn it into economic dividend for the country, there is a great need to invest in skill development and education and government seeks to prepare our youth for knowledge economy by investing in higher education sector. US Under Secretary of Public Affairs & Public Diplomacy Richard Stengel commended the Vision 2025 of government and appreciated the efforts being taken to promote higher education, skill development, science and technology.-PR
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