Federal Minister for Education and Technical Training Shafqat Mahmood was called on by Xiaohong Yang, Country Director Asian Development Bank (ADB) Thursday in Islamabad.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Secretary Education, Arshad Mirza. The education minister welcomed the country director ADB and said that Pakistan is currently facing various challenges in Education sector and that the Government is fully committed to resolve these challenges, said a press release issued here on the other day.
Shafqat Mahmood said that among the various challenges are different streams or systems of education that are Private Schools, Government Schools and then Religious Schools or Madrasah. There is also the challenge of providing Quality Education and removing discrimination in education system. "We are working on making a comprehensive education policy that will address these challenges, will ensure quality education and will provide level playing field and equal opportunities to everyone," added the federal minister for Education and Technical Training.
The education minister further said that our main focus will also be on the Skill development and human development. Vocational and Technical training is must and "we are in the process of setting up Skill Universities and we are in close liaison with all the chambers of commerce and other stakeholders in this regard," minister added. He also suggested that the Asian Development Bank should work on Skill Development in Pakistan.
Country Director ADB, Xiaohong Yang congratulated the Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training on his appointment and reiterated ADB's commitment to support Pakistan to improve its economy, reduce poverty and achieve development goals. She appreciated the steps the Government of Pakistan intends to take for promotion of Education and offered ADB's help and support in this regard and said that we are looking forward to work closely with the government of Pakistan for the progress and prosperity of the People of Pakistan.
Later, the federal minister for Federal Education and Professional Training & National History and Literacy heritage Division Shafqat Mahmood was called on by Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey. The Turkish ambassador congratulated the federal minister. The matters of bilateral interests were discussed in the meeting.-PR