ISLAMABAD:Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Rabia Naseem Farooqi on Friday said the government has placed education at the top of its priorities in the federal budget, allocating substantial funds to improve access to quality education and equip students with skills required in a modern knowledge-based economy.
Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly, she said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declared an education emergency after assuming office, reflecting the government’s focus on promoting education and empowering youth through quality learning and skill development.
She said efforts are underway to reduce illiteracy and provide young people with the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.
Highlighting key initiatives, she said Rs22 billion has been allocated for the establishment and expansion of Daanish Schools across the country to provide quality education to talented students from underprivileged backgrounds.
She informed the House that new Daanish Schools are also being planned in Sindh. A project in Karachi’s Malir area has moved forward after land allocation in coordination with the Sindh government, while another project in Tando Muhammad Khan is also progressing with provincial support.
She said improvement and upgradation work has been completed in 167 federal educational institutions. More than 20,000 students have been provided Chromebooks, while 437 smart boards have been installed and over 200 classrooms set up to support modern learning.
She added that 16 degree colleges have been equipped with IT laboratories, while 62 digital learning hubs have been established to strengthen digital education infrastructure.
Farooqi said special attention is being given to teacher training, early childhood education, and improving access to education for all children, particularly girls.
She said these steps reflect the government’s focus on not only upgrading infrastructure but also shaping a modern, inclusive and quality education system for the country’s youth.
The parliamentary secretary said a Centre of Excellence for children with autism is being established in Islamabad to provide education, training and care for affected children.
She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif laid the foundation stone of the project on December 3, 2024, and it is expected to be completed by December 2026. The centre will offer modern services and strengthen support systems for children with autism.
On higher education, she said the government has allocated Rs65 billion as a recurring grant and Rs46 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the upcoming fiscal year.
Despite financial constraints, she said the Higher Education Commission (HEC) continues to support universities and colleges nationwide to maintain academic and research activities.
She noted that around 60 percent of Pakistan’s population comprises young people, making investment in education and skills development vital for national progress.
She said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remains committed to strengthening higher education institutions through sustained funding and development initiatives aimed at preparing the youth for future challenges.
She added that the budget reflects the government’s resolve to invest in human capital and build a knowledge-based economy by expanding educational opportunities and improving learning outcomes across the country.