Rs25 billion allocated to address out-of-school children issue: Ahsan Iqbal

Rs25 billion allocated to address out-of-school children issue: Ahsan Iqbal

Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that a fund of Rs25 billion has been allocated to bring every child to the school.

Addressing the launching ceremony of 'Out of School Children Fund' in Islamabad on Friday, the minister said that this fund will be increased to Rs75 billion by bringing on board the provincial governments and development partners, the Radio Pakistan reported.

He stressed the importance of knowledge exchange and innovation for Pakistan’s progress in the modern world.

The minister highlighted the significance of early childhood education and its role in fostering creative thinking, critical analysis, and collaborative skills in the young minds of the nation.

"The future belongs to those who embrace knowledge and innovation,” he said adding that need to nurture inquisitive and creative minds through quality education.

"Critical thinking, reflective learning, and collaboration are the key elements that will propel our children towards a brighter future,” he noted.

Ahsdan Iqbal said that a pre-school system will be introduced across the country through this fund.

"Our aim is to equip the children in such a manner that they can meet the future challenges. Our manifesto is that no child remains deprived of education," the minister asserted.

The Rs25 billion Performance-based Challenge Fund aims to address the issue of out-of-school children and promote early childhood education initiatives across the country.

The fund encourages collaboration between the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to facilitate innovative programs and projects for enhancing educational opportunities.