ISLAMABAD, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that his country has been striving to further improve the literacy rate for a more informed and sustainable nation.
"Literacy is a fundamental human and constitutional right that guarantees the future of our country," the prime minister said in his message on the occasion of International Literacy Day.
He said that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write; it is a gateway to empowerment, economic opportunities, and active participation in society, highlighting that the government has taken special measures to promote the literacy rate as education is the backbone of Pakistani society.
"For this purpose, we have declared an educational emergency across the country, launched an enrollment campaign for students, and initiated mid-day meals for children in schools," Sharif said.
To reduce the dropout rate and encourage every child to complete their education, the prime minister said that the country has introduced scholarships and other incentives.
He noted that developing literacy and skills in line with technology is inevitable in the rapidly emerging world, saying Pakistan has been focusing on implementing a comprehensive plan to integrate technology into the educational system, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.
