Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, on Monday said that sound character building of youth, especially at the school-going age, is essential to safeguard the country's ideological frontiers. Speaking at the summer school organised by Nazaria-e-Pakistan Foundation at the Aiwan-e-Karkunan-e-Pakistan, he said in view of the present world scenario, Pakistan today is passing through a critical phase.
"To meet the future challenges, we should produce a disciplined nursery imbued with the spirit of Pakistan ideology," he observed.
The minister said that children were the future custodians of the country, and they must be trained and groomed on modern lines by imparting quality education.
"Proper and robust character building of our youth can offset threats and confront all challenges," he added.
He said children from other provinces should also be given the opportunity to attend similar summer schools to provide them an insight into the ideology, which led to the creation of Pakistan.
He urged quality education for children from all provinces, and stressed the need for effective enforcement of a uniform education policy across the country and the same syllabi in all educational institutions.
Sh Rashid Ahmad said, "a healthy educational environment should be ensured to children, where they can fully explore and express their talents."
Referring to efforts made by him for the promotion of education, he said a record number of institutions, especially those for girls, had been established in Rawalpindi city.
He said computer technology had altogether changed the pattern of life and mode of education in the world. Quality education can now be acquired through computer technology, and does not need a huge school building, he added.
Instead of wasting time and squandering resources on the construction of school buildings, he observed, the village mosque can also be used to impart both religious and basic education.
The minister said that in Japan and other developed countries, sports talent was also produced and polished through schools. The best students were selected who were later trained for international competition, he said.
"We should give top priority to the proper grooming and training of school children to ensure a better future," he remarked.
Sheikh Rashid said "We have to prepare our young generation to keep abreast of the swift pace at which international economies are progressing, to meet our fiscal obligations and work towards a stronger national economy.