PARIS: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday had a one-on-one meeting with UN special envoy for education and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and exchanged views on matters relating to the promotion of education in Pakistan.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of a high-level event organized by UNESCO and the Government of Pakistan here at UNESCO's headquarters for the promotion of education, especially the girls education.
The two leaders discussed ways and means to further promote education, the UN global initiative on education and the Waseela-e- Taleem programme that has been launched under the umbrella of Benazir Income Support Programme by the Government of Pakistan for enabling the poor families of the country to send their children to schools.
Gordon Brown appreciated the role being played by the government and the leadership of the country in promoting education and facilitating the poorest of the poor families.
The President reiterated the country's commitment to achieve the goal of Universal Primary Education and said that the government was according high priority to the promotion of education in the country.
He said that the cause of promotion of education needed to be pursued by undertaking concerted efforts, duly seconded by the international community, for its complete success.
The President said that various initiatives undertaken by the democratic government, which included devolving education sector to the provinces, initiating Waseela-e-Taleem programme and making education a constitutional fundamental right of every child not only reflected the commitment of the government but would also go a long way in the promotion of education in the country.
He said that education would not only ensure socio-economic uplift of the people but was the most effective tool against militant mindset who were tarnishing the image of religion and the country.
The President said that Pakistan greatly appreciated the support of international community and the UN in highlighting the cause of Malala Yousafzai.
The President also appreciated the UN initiative on education and the efforts of Gordon Brown in promoting education not only in Pakistan but across the world.
Gordon Brown thanked the President for meeting and assured his continued support to the people of Pakistan, especially the girls in getting education, which was their basic right.
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