Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) Wajiha Qamar reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening and supporting the private education sector, acknowledging its pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s educational landscape.
She made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA), led by its Central President, Dr Malik Abrar Hussain.
“Private educational institutions are crucial partners in promoting education across Pakistan,” said Minister Qamar. “We value their contributions and will make every possible effort to ensure their improvement and welfare.”
Highlighting education as a top national priority, the Minister emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s directives, the government is working on extensive measures to raise literacy levels, reintegrate out-of-school children, and produce more capable and responsible citizens. She assured the delegation that their recommendations would be taken seriously and incorporated into policy.
Dr Malik Abrar Hussain, in response, shed light on the significant role of the private sector, pointing out that it currently educates more than 60% of Pakistan’s school-going children. He further noted that private students had secured over 80% of the top positions in national education boards this year.
He urged the government to adopt a supportive rather than punitive regulatory framework, stressing that closing down schools over isolated issues deprives children of their basic right to education. “The government must encourage, not discourage, private institutions so that Pakistan can elevate its global educational standing,” he said.
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The APPSCA delegation also included Professor Mehr Khan Mughal, Irfan Muzaffar Kayani, Dr Rukhsana Khan, and Muhammad Ibrahim.