On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began constructing the National University of Technology’s main campus in Islamabad.
During the event, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of technical and vocational education, stating it is critical for a nation’s success. He emphasized that technical education and skill development are crucial for the country’s progress and should be top priorities.
Sharif expressed faith in the younger generation’s potential to drive the country forward by eradicating corruption. He noted that the University’s graduates would sustain themselves with dignity and enhance the country’s image globally, including in the Gulf States.
The Prime Minister called for an end to class discrimination, particularly within the educational sector, aligning with the ideals of the country’s founders, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal.
Sharif committed to the government’s firm support for technical education, highlighting its role in generating skilled human resources that can help reduce the country’s trade deficit through overseas remittances.
Reflecting on Educational Initiatives in Punjab
Reflecting on his tenure as the Punjab chief minister, he stated that he expanded the Danish Schools network to offer the underprivileged educational opportunities. He also highlighted the disbursement of billions in scholarships to almost half a million students.
During the event, the Prime Minister pledged Rs100 million and four air-conditioned buses for the University.
Earlier, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, shared that practical measures are underway to impart necessary skills to the youth, enabling them to earn a dignified living. Hussain urged the youth to pursue technical education, deeming it necessary.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, disclosed that skill development training would be offered to around 100,000 youth this year. She mentioned that the government focuses on providing the youth with basic technical skills and has set aside Rs80 billion for youth empowerment across various sectors. Khawaja also revealed plans to introduce 200 e-learning courses under the Learning Management System.