ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday directed the formation of a joint committee to prepare a practical, time-bound framework for reforming Islamabad’s education system, prioritising rural schools, improved teaching standards and better learning outcomes.
The initiative follows a special task assigned by the Prime Minister to develop a model education system in Islamabad, ensuring quality facilities, effective teaching and better learning opportunities in all public schools, with a framework that could be replicated across the country, a news release said.
Chairing a consultative meeting on the education system in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), the minister emphasised that developing model schools required improvements in teaching, learning and governance alongside infrastructure.
He directed that the reform plan focus on rural schools and address gaps in facilities, teacher shortages, training, curriculum, examinations and funding.
The Planning Ministry’s Sector Specialist for Education presented an independent evaluation of 50 educational institutions, including 34 rural and 16 urban schools.
The assessment identified disparities in educational quality, weaker learning outcomes in rural schools and a gap between examination results and students’ assessed understanding.
Responding to the findings, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that curriculum reforms must be accompanied by teacher training and examination systems that assess students’ understanding and practical application of knowledge.
He said teaching should promote critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork, while educational content should reflect scientific, technological and economic developments.
The proposed joint committee will comprise representatives of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Federal Directorate of Education, the Secretary of Federal Education and Professional Training, academics and education experts.
The minister directed the committee to consolidate existing assessments and proposals into a working paper outlining the required reforms, responsible institutions and implementation timelines.
Specialised subgroups will support the process by defining the facilities, staffing requirements and teaching standards needed for model primary schools.
Emphasising sustained institutional coordination and reliable education data, Ahsan Iqbal said progress must be monitored to assess implementation and measure improvements in children’s learning.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan and Farah Naz, Secretary Federal Education and Professional Training Nadeem Mahbub, Members of the Planning Commission, deans, senior policy experts and stakeholders from Islamabad’s education sector.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
