Pakistan marks International Literacy Day with renewed commitment to education

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating International Literacy Day today with the President, Prime Minister and senior parliamentarians reaffirming their dedication to advancing education across the country.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Multilingual Academic Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”, highlights the role of education in fostering harmony.

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In his statement on International Literacy Day, President Asif Zardari emphasised the critical importance of literacy in shaping the nation’s future. “Education and literacy are the foundations of our nation’s future,” he said, reiterating that, under Article 25A of the Constitution, education is a fundamental right of every citizen. He added, “Today, we renew our pledge to provide education to every citizen.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, calling literacy a gateway to empowerment, economic advancement, and active participation in society. “Literacy is a basic human and constitutional right, and the guarantee of our country’s future,” he added.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that all children have access to education, vowing to take all necessary measures to enrol out-of-school children. “Without 100 per cent literacy, a bright future is unimaginable,” she noted, stressing the importance of providing resources for the education of marginalised communities.

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Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also addressed the gathering, underscoring the link between national development and a strong education system. He announced that the establishment of micro-schools will enable over 300,000 children to join educational institutions and reiterated his goal of setting up 100,000 digital schools within the next two years.

A key event was also organised in this regard by the School Education and Literacy Department at a local hotel in Karachi. The event drew participation from prominent figures, including Secretary of the School Department Zahid Ali Abbasi and former Education Minister Rana Hussain.