ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that to build a prosperous and competitive society, country need a strong foundation—starting with the curriculum.

Speaking at National Curriculum Council (NCC) here at Allama Iqbal Open University, he acknowledged the ongoing debate over the medium of instruction, noting that while some advocate for Urdu and others for English, he believes in a pragmatic approach—Urdish, a combination of both languages.

“Urdish is the future of our education system, a balanced blend that will foster better communication, cultural integration, and global connectivity,” he remarked.

Planning minister, who inaugurated the two-day summit, said that education plays a pivotal role in the development of any nation.

Says education system should address not only academic knowledge but identity, values and cultural heritage as well

Mr Iqbal emphasised that the country faced a civilisational crisis, which demands urgent attention. “We need to reframe our education system to address not only academic knowledge but also our identity, values, and cultural heritage,” he said.

He also outlined the government’s vision for education reform. He shared his insights on the four key initiatives launched during PML-N’s tenure from 2013 to 2018, which faced significant challenges after their tenure but are now back on track. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader goal to transform Pakistan’s education system and align it with global standards.

The planning minister announced a plan to establish a Teaching Training Centre aimed at enhancing the professional development of educators.

The centre will invite teachers from all provinces to participate in training programs designed to equip them with modern pedagogical skills and new teaching methods, he said.

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with the National Curriculum Council (NCC) organised the summit.

According to education ministry, this summit marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its education system by introducing new schemes of studies, subjects, and academic streams at both the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) levels.

The summit brings together key stakeholders in the education sector, including policymakers, educators, curriculum specialists, and thought leaders.

The event features keynote speeches and panel discussions aimed at shaping the future of Pakistan’s educational landscape.

In his address Federal Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani highlighted the suggestions made by planning minister regarding a holistic review of Pakistan’s education system.

“We have successfully reviewed the existing scheme of studies and updated in just six months and the suggestions received from the summit will be made part of curriculum reforms,” federal secretary said.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the curricula remain relevant and dynamic, adapting to the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Joint Educational Advisor of the National Curriculum Council (NCC) Dr. Shafqat Ali Janjua highlighting the latest developments in Pakistan’s curriculum said.

“The scheme of studies has been updated, with new curricula introduced at both the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) levels.

He said that new academic groups have also been included, broadening the scope of studies available to students and providing them with a wider range of academic and career pathways.

Dr Janjua emphasized that the curriculum is a continuous process of improvement, aimed at addressing contemporary challenges.

“We are committed to ensuring that our curricula evolve with the times, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape,” he added.

According to education ministry, the summit is focusing on several pressing themes aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of the national goals.

These include: Integration of Skills and IT in National Curricula, Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy in Education, Innovation in the Teaching-Learning Process, Environmental Literacy & Greening Curricula, Redefining Assessment through Technology, Cyber security and Digital Citizenship, Incorporating Space Sciences in Education and Cultivating a Healthy Mindset. The ministry said that these discussions are designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the national curriculum meets the evolving needs of students and society.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024