Pakistan and UK Enhance Collaboration on Education Initiatives

Islamabad, In a crucial meeting held today, April 18, 2024, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott met with Pakistan’s Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, to discuss bolstering education initiatives between the two nations.

According to Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Siddiqui emphasized the pressing need for addressing the challenges of out-of-school children and urban slum neglect in Pakistan’s educational policies. He outlined the government’s commitment to declaring an educational emergency to prioritize and streamline efforts toward inclusive education. The meeting, which also saw the participation of Secretary Education Mr. Mohyuddin Wani and British Council Country Director Mr. James Hampson, focused on creating synergies among stakeholders to eliminate educational disparities.

Dr. Siddiqui solicited the UK’s support for Pakistan’s ambitious plan to train one million youths in the IT sector, noting the potential for Pakistan to become a leading exporter of IT professionals. He highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate mental health support and nutritional programs into schools to enhance student welfare and retention.

For her part, Commissioner Marriott reaffirmed the UK’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan, dating back to 1947, and expressed enthusiasm for expanding the UK’s green program to increase Pakistani student enrollment in UK universities through distance learning. She acknowledged Google Education’s keen interest in supporting Pakistan’s educational reforms.

The discussions also touched on the devolution of education to the provinces, with Mr. Wani noting the importance of a unified approach to overcome the segmented efforts currently seen across various NGOs and donor activities in the country.

The British Council’s involvement was particularly noted, with Mr. Hampson indicating that the head of the British Council plans to visit Pakistan to further discuss educational collaborations, especially aimed at enhancing outreach programs in urban slums.

This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening educational ties between Pakistan and the UK, focusing on comprehensive reforms and international support to ensure quality education for all segments of Pakistani society.