Ahsan seeks suggestions on education reforms

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal called upon teachers and education experts to offer suggestions and firsthand experiences to enhance the education reform initiative, ensuring it is effective and meets the needs of students and educational institutions. The government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, is striving to transform Islamabad's education system into a benchmark for the rest of the country.

Ahsan Iqbal, during his visit to the IMCG Golra Girls' School under the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Education Reforms initiative, emphasized that the world is experiencing a knowledge revolution, where intellectual capacity and creativity are crucial for progress. He stated that the government's objective is to transform Pakistan's education system into a high-performance institution, focusing on providing equal opportunities for quality education to every child and moving away from rote learning towards promoting critical thinking, creativity, and research.

He highlighted the significance of early childhood development, stating that the first five to seven years of a child's life are vital for nurturing intellectual and creative abilities, which require a supportive learning environment at home and in schools. Ahsan Iqbal urged a shift in the role of teachers from merely delivering curricula and preparing students for exams to fostering curiosity, independent thinking, reading habits, and experiential learning.

He stressed that classrooms should become centers of inquiry and research, encouraging students to ask questions freely and explore new ideas. The minister also highlighted Pakistan's need to revive the spirit of inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and discovery within its education system, aiming to become a nation that creates knowledge rather than merely benefiting from it.

He stressed that education should not be limited to obtaining degrees but should foster a lifelong commitment to learning, research, and continuous intellectual growth. The ICT education reforms aim to bring fundamental improvements in teaching practices and learning outcomes, with policymakers visiting schools to understand ground realities, identify challenges, and engage with teachers and education staff directly.