2ND MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Islamabad, August 16, 2024: The 2nd meeting of Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training National Heritage and Culture was held today at National Assembly Secretariat under the chairmanship of Dr. Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi, MNA.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training delivered an insightful and detailed briefing highlighted the Ministry’s role in the development and implementation of educational policies and professional training frameworks. Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Training said that their mandate encompasses the advancement of educational quality, expansion of access, and enhancement of vocational training programs, all geared towards achieving national development objectives.
The Ministry’s performance highlights included significant progress in curriculum reforms, educational accessibility, and skills development, underscoring its dedication to fostering an inclusive and progressive educational environment that meets the diverse needs of the nation’s workforce.
Dr. Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training stressed on enhancing the budgetary allocation to the universities.
He affirmed the committee’s steadfast support for initiatives poised to make a lasting impact on the nation’s educational landscape. Emphasizing the importance of enhancing educational opportunities and addressing existing disparities, the Chairman emphasized on the committee’s commitment to support measures that enable students to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Committee Members also noted that the schools in peripheral areas of Islamabad are deprived of the facilities being provided to elite areas. The committee’s emphasized on improving educational standards and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
In addition, the Committee highlighted that the support provided from certain NGOs has been beneficial, it often lacks long-term sustainability. They emphasized the necessity for the Ministry to ensure the continuity of these initiatives, stressing that educational priorities should be established by the Ministry itself.
This approach will ensure a more coherent and sustained effort in addressing the educational needs of the nation and supporting the development of students as future contributors to the country’s progress.
The Committee Members commended the Ministry’s recent four-month initiatives, particularly in aligning skill-building efforts with 21st-century competencies, curriculum and assessment reforms, infrastructure improvements, and student support enhancements.
They also noted the disparities in educational quality between schools within and outside designated sectors, calling attention to the need for equitable resource distribution. The Chairman committee applauded for the establishment of IT labs and modern training in IT.
The Committee reviewed several legislative proposals, including “The International Institute of Technology, Culture and Health Sciences Bill 2024”, “The South City University Bill 2024”, “The Nippon Institute of Advanced Sciences (NIAS) Bill 2024”, and “The Pakistan Examination Board Bill 2024”.
Following thorough discussion, these Bills were deferred, with specific attention requested from the Law Ministry regarding “The Nippon Institute of Advanced Sciences (NIAS) Bill 2024”. Identified gaps were discussed, and the Bills were referred for subsequent meetings of the committee.
The Committee Members unanimously expressed their commitment in supporting initiatives that can enhance the quality educational opportunities for all citizens and to provide them with advance professional trainings, thereby contributing to the development of responsible and capable citizens.
