Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui announced that soon two historical institutions of Lahore; National College of Arts (NCA) and Pakistan Institute of Fashion designing (PFID), will open their campuses in Karachi. Campuses of the two institutions will initially offer employable skill based short courses to youth of Sindh.
He dispelled the impression that Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training has mandate and working only in Islamabad and said that it’s ambit is spread across the country. The Minister was addressing a press conference alongwith Vice Chancellors of NCA, PFID, Chairman HEC and other Officers at HEC Regional Office Karachi on 22nd June 2024.Addressing the media persons, he mentioned that the world is struggling with an aging population while Pakistan has more than 60% youth population, therefore, it is essential for Pakistan to train them for employment and reap the benefits of the population bulge.
He mentioned the example of neighbouring countries who have used their giant population as labor force and have achieved technological development.
Similarly Pakistan also needs to decide accordingly and equip youth with employment focused skills. In addition to this, he announced that courses and centres of NAVTTC are being increased and other national and international institutions such as Huawei and Microsoft are being engaged to train the youth of Pakistan.Further, he said that global trends are changing rapidly and only education can save Pakistan. Therefore, right decisions are need of hour for Pakistan.In response to a query regarding brain drain, the Minister said that it’s a positive trend if youth is moving abroad as it will expand Pakistani diaspora which will result in more remittances and Pakistan’s global presence.
Addressing a query regarding students union, he termed students and trade unions as nurseries of political leaders and ideologies alike.At the conclusion of the press conference, the Minister thanked media fraternity for their unwavering support in the process of education emergency to education emergence. He was presented traditional Sindhi Ajrak and Topi by the host during his visit.
