UNESCO, an organ of the United Nations (UN), has decided to confer prestigious "Confucius Prize for Literacy, 2011" upon Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik Secretary Literacy & Non Forman Basic Education Department of the Punjab. The prestigious Confucius Award is decided by an International Jury for outstanding contribution by the individuals and organisations.
Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik is the first Pakistani who will receive Confucius Award from UNESCO, in recognition of his professional leadership role of promoting the cause of literacy and education. The International Jury constituted by UNESCO has also appreciated the political commitment of the Government of the Punjab and the endeavours to make the province literate, learning and prosperous.
Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik will be awarded Confucius Prize on International Literacy Day to be held on September 08, 2011. The academics and professionals have congratulated Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik for this singular distinction. Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has accorded approval to receive the award.