ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday promised to announce a new incentives package for the teachers of Islamabad schools and colleges on October 19. He was speaking at a seminar on Role of Teachers held at the Pakistan National Council of the Auditorium (PNCA).

Minister of Education Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, Prime Minister’s Adviser on social welfare Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Unesco representative Dr Warren Mellor also attended the seminar held to commemorate the World Teachers Day.

The prime minister paid high tributes to the teachers who, he said, played vital role in building a nation. He also shared memories of his student years with the audience.

On this occasion he also announced other measures for the development of education which include changes in training pattern of BA and Matriculation teachers.

Furthermore, he said, government schools and colleges in capital would be converted into model schools and colleges.

Several other issues such as recognition of services of teachers, role of teachers’ union were also discussed at the seminar.

The Quaid-i-Azam University vice-chancellor Dr Masoom Yasinzai also spoke on the occasion. APP adds: Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali speaking at the function said the package for Islamabad teachers would help improve service conditions of teachers and remove their grievances that they had demanded from time to time.

The minister said the package was prepared after holding extensive consultations with the stakeholders.

He said the US administration had been asked to provide funds for building 600 classrooms in the Islamabad territory.

He described the teachers the custodians of the future generations.

National Commission on Human Development (NCHD) Chairperson Nafeesa Shah asked the federal government to fund its project for setting up 17,000 literacy centres in the country. She said teachers should be consulted while preparing a policy for the education sector.

Special assistant to the prime minister on social sector Shehnaz Wazir Ali paid tribute to teachers for working hard to build a strong and healthy society.

Awards and cash prizes were also announced for the teachers by the organizers of the event.