ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the vital role of education in empowerment, economic opportunities, and social participation during his message on World Literacy Day.
In Pakistan, literacy remains a major concern. As of 2024, the literacy rate is 59.13%, highlighting the country’s ongoing challenges in enhancing education for all its citizens
International Literacy Day is being observed globally today, including in Pakistan, to highlight the significance of education for the millions of people worldwide who are illiterate.
Celebrated each year on September 8 under the guidance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the day focuses on the necessity for expanded literacy and educational opportunities.
Prime Minister stated, “Literacy is a basic human and constitutional right, and education and literacy are the only ways through which Pakistan can progress.”
Marking the day, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the education agenda, aiming for a more informed and sustainable future for Pakistan.
He highlighted “Education is the backbone of our society. For this purpose, we have declared an educational emergency across the country, launched an enrollment campaign for students, and initiated mid-day meals for children in schools.”
PM Shehbaz also stressed the importance of developing technological literacy, noting that the government is implementing a comprehensive plan to integrate technology into the education system to prepare the younger generation for success in the digital economy.
Education crisis in Pakistan
A report by the Pak Alliance for Maths and Science (PAMS) had recently revlealed that 25.3 million children aged 5 to 16 in Pakistan are out of school, representing 36% of the school-age population.
The report, “The Missing Third of Pakistan,” highlights that 74% of these children live in rural areas, with 51% of 5 to 9-year-olds never having enrolled.
The data also shows a significant gender disparity, with 53% of out-of-school children being girls.
PM launches special anti-polio campaign
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a special anti-polio campaign to ensure complete eradication of polio from the country.
The prime minister has initiated the polio campaign across 115 districts of the country, during which 30 million children under the age of five will be vaccinated against this debilitating disease.
From September 9 to 15, some 286,000 polio workers will go door-to-door to administer polio drops to the children.
“We are grateful to the partners and friendly international organizations cooperating with the government in the fight against polio,” the prime minister said.
He expressed optimism that the federal government, in collaboration with provincial governments and partners, will succeed in completely eradicating polio from the country.
“Our efforts to eliminate polio from Pakistan will certainly bear fruit, Insha’Allah,” said the prime minister.
The prime minister also paid tribute to the efforts of federal and provincial officials, polio workers, and security personnel in the fight against polio.
He urged parents to ensure that their children under five receive the polio vaccine to protect them from lifelong disability.
On this occasion, the prime minister personally administered polio drops to children.
The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath; the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq; representatives from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the United Nations; along with other senior officials.