Federal Education and Professional Training Minister Shafqat Mahmood has said that the government, in line with the vision of Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, would give topmost priority to education.

The minister said this while chairing a briefing by Federal Education and Professional Training Ministry – along with its attached departments - at the committee room of the Ministry on Saturday.

Shafqat Mahmood said that the government would work in coordination with all provinces and provide education to all as per the Constitution of Pakistan.

He said that it was the government’s responsibility to conjure up excellent policies and take all measures to implement the education-related policies. He said that all missing standards would be developed and followed in true letter and spirit.

The minister said, “It is alarming to know that more than 20 million children are out of schools. We will work hard with provinces to increase enrolment rate.”

He vowed that the National Education Policy-2018 would be launched soon, whereas skill development is equally important and our ministry will take it as a challenge.

The minister said that all vacant positions at the Ministry and its attached departments will be filled on purely merit and in transparent manner. He also directed all attached departments to facilitate Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir, along with other provinces.