Pakistan Learning Festival Creating Hope and Enthusiasm for Pakistan's Youth

The "Pakistan Learning Festival," which began in Islamabad this week, offers a much-needed boost of energy and inspiration for education in Pakistan. Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, who inaugurated the three-day event, shared an important message: Pakistan's future depends on preparing its youth with modern skills and a solid moral responsibility.

 In today's world, traditional classroom education is no longer enough. As the Minister pointed out, skills in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, coding and data analysis are essential for success. However, education should also teach young people to be socially responsible, care about their communities, and play a positive societal role. This festival, filled with books, activities such as coding workshops, and ideas like community service projects, is a step in the right direction.

 What makes this event even more exciting is its potential to expand. Minister Iqbal suggested taking the festival to every district in the country, using trains in partnership with the Ministry of Railways. This creative idea could make learning festivals accessible to children and young people in rural areas, sparking a love for learning far and wide.

 The Federal Minister also shared his personal story, which is an inspiring example for Pakistan's youth. He spoke about how he worked hard to study at one of the world's top business schools, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and returned to Pakistan to serve the country. His journey shows that dedication and hard work can help young people achieve their dreams, even in challenging circumstances.

 Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad, who had the unique honor to serve the University of Pennsylvania during his services at Thomas Jefferson University, located in close vicinity to UPenn, described Pakistan's youth national strength. However, to help them thrive, the country needs to invest in education, skills development, and extracurricular opportunities. Events like the Pakistan Learning Festival are an excellent start. They show that education can be fun, practical, and deeply meaningful.

 This festival is more than an event; it's a reminder of what Pakistan can achieve by believing in its young people. All credits go to the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training leadership including Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister, and Secretary Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, who garnished all stakeholders under one umbrella.

Of importance, the Pakistan Learning Festival is recognized as "a social movement founded by the renowned educator-thought leader and activist, Baela Raza Jamil, CEO of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) and co-founded by the internationally and nationally awarded Ameena Saiyid, who headed a multinational corporation and pioneered 'literature festivals' in Pakistan; she is the Founder Director of the Adab Festival Pakistan. CLF's growth is attributed to its open collaboration with numerous private, public, civil society organizations, foundations and development partners. CLF is the first national level largest learning festival with an outreach across Pakistan; it is ITA's well-known flagship program."

 According to Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Professional Training, "With continued efforts like this, we can build a future where every child has the chance to dream, learn, and succeed."