Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed the government’s eagerness to collaborate with the United Kingdom in advancing higher education and enhancing educational standards in Pakistan. This sentiment was conveyed during a meeting with a delegation representing prominent UK universities at the PM House.
The delegation, led by UK’s International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith, received a warm welcome from the prime minister. He stressed the paramount importance of promoting quality education, affirming it as a top priority for the government. He reiterated his dedication to ensuring universal access to education, noting the federal government’s collaboration with provincial counterparts to achieve this objective.
Drawing from his experience as Punjab chief minister, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the establishment of the Education Endowment Fund in the province and announced plans for a similar initiative at the federal level. He underscored the government’s urgent measures to advance the education sector.
Acknowledging the UK’s support for Pakistan’s education sector, the prime minister expressed his eagerness to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education and trade. He commended the launch of degree programs between Pakistani and UK universities on a reciprocal basis as a positive step.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the pivotal role of modern education, particularly in science and technology, in national development. He emphasized the longstanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UK, highlighting the need for collaboration in research and technology within university settings. Additionally, he expressed Pakistan’s interest in leveraging the expertise of the UK’s education sector.
The delegation expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistani universities and offered assistance in teacher training and capacity building. They informed the prime minister about the expansion of the Education Gateway Pakistan to enhance bilateral cooperation in the education sector.
The delegation also extended appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to them by the prime minister and government officials. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, MNA Romina Khursheed Alam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, British Council Country Director James Hampson, and other senior officials.
