Acting President Gilani calls for academic partnerships to address education sector challenges

Islamabad (Web Desk): Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has highlighted the vital role of strong academic partnerships in addressing Pakistan’s persistent educational challenges and preparing young people for the demands of a fast-changing world.

He made these remarks during a reception in Islamabad organized in honour of a visiting delegation from the University of London and its alumni, calling education diplomacy a lasting and impactful tool of international engagement.

Gilani said that the University of London's presence in Pakistan serves as a bridge of knowledge and cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, reflecting shared aspirations and commitment to learning. He also lauded the university’s global reputation and its nearly 200 years of contributions to progress across various fields of human endeavor.

The Acting President noted that Pakistan is at a critical moment in its educational development. Despite the dedication of teachers and the determination of its citizens, the country continues to face deep-rooted structural issues, including a high number of out-of-school children, gender imbalances, and regional disparities that most heavily affect girls and rural communities.

He recalled that the government had declared a national education emergency in 2024 to ensure equitable access to schools and enhance learning outcomes through coordinated efforts between federal and provincial authorities.

Emphasizing that investment in education is the foundation of national growth rather than an expense, Gilani pointed to initiatives such as the AI Policy 2025 and the Digital Sector Roadmap 2025-2035, which demonstrate Pakistan’s focus on equipping its youth for the digital economy.

He further highlighted that the country’s IT exports have reached $3.8 billion and continue to grow at an annual rate of roughly 20 percent.

The acting president called for stronger collaboration with global institutions like the University of London to develop teaching capacity, improve learning methods, and inspire excellence in education.

He expressed confidence that the delegation’s visit would pave the way for new opportunities, particularly benefiting students, who represent the nation’s future.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar praised the University of London for its longstanding engagement with Pakistan, including the introduction of Pakistan-focused modules in its law programs.

Sharing his personal experience as an alumnus, he said the education he received had strengthened his professional skills and public service abilities.

He also highlighted the university’s role in fostering creativity and innovation, adding that programs such as outreach initiatives would play a significant role in advancing education in Pakistan.

In her remakes, Justice Ayesha Malik stressed that access to quality education is a fundamental right and urged graduates of leading institutions to contribute toward institution-building and maintaining high standards, especially for those who do not have similar opportunities.

MNA Ali Muhammad Khan, another University of London alumnus, praised the university for nurturing strong research abilities among its students and called for increased scholarship support to ensure that quality education becomes accessible to lower- and middle-income groups.