(Islamabad): Minister of Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi launched the National Reading Conference, Book Fair & Pakistan Learning Festival, Islamabad, as the chief guest today on 25th November, 2023. 

Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training in collaboration with Idara e Taleem-o-Aghai (ITA) and the National Book Foundation,  organised a three day long ‘Pakistan Learning Festival’ on the theme "Today's Readers, Tomorrow's Learners”. The launching event of the three day festival was attended by the Federal Minister Madad Ali Sindhi as the chief guest. 

Madad Ali Sindhi while addressing the opening ceremony of the event said that the only way to progress for Pakistan is through education. He said that Pakistan as a country needs to bring back its focus to education. Madad said that it is imperative that we work towards promoting the culture of reading in our youth. He said that through such literary festivals we can encourage the youth to prioritise reading and it can eventually raise a well read and educated generation that can play a pivotal role in leading Pakistan to prosperity. He said that there are three streams of education in Pakistan,public, private and the Madrassas that are creating three different classes in the country. Madad said that his top priority has been improving the quality of education and reducing the out of school children. 

Madad said that after visiting the schools and colleges of Islamabad, he realised that there is a long way to go. He said that the schools and colleges in Islamabad should be an example for the rest of the country. He said that after taking the office he has met with the Vice Chancellors of numerous universities across all the provinces in order to develop a uniform plan to address the prevailing issues of our public education sector. 

Madad said that on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it is important to reiterate our commitment to stop all types of violence against women and provide them with equal opportunities so that they can achieve their full potential. He said that it is a shame that even today young girls are forced to work instead of going to school. He said that it is the duty of the government to ensure that all women of our country are provided free education. 

Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry said that the focus of this year's event is on children, schools, and families, where leading education providers will deliver short 'Lightning Talks' addressing innovative solutions to specific areas of foundational learning. Particularly on the first day the renowned educationists will lead insightful discussions on key challenges and advancements in the field of literacy and foundational learning.