PRIME Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has agreed to focus efforts on improving the state of learning in mathematics and science, in keeping with the government’s responsibility of ensuring that every child receives quality education as per the Article 25-A of the Constitution.

The premier met various education lobbyists, practitioners and scientists working under the banner of the Pakistan Alliance for Maths and Science (PAMS) in Islamabad on Thursday afternoon.

He also interacted with students from a private education institute, and discussed a range of topics with them — including foreign policy matters, as well as economic and social issues.

The meeting held with the students was a part of an initiative to invite young students from several public and private institutes in the country to the Prime Minister’s Office, where they had an opportunity to interact with the PM and ask him questions about the highest office of the government.

According to officials, the prime minister has been interacting with educationists and students with a larger view to develop a roadmap for education in the country. In his meeting with PAMS representatives — belonging to various for-profit and not-for-profit organisations — the prime minister discussed several recommendations to promote mathematics and science learning in the country.

According to Lalah Rukh of Science Fuse — who attended the meeting as a member of PAMS — the meeting with the PM was organised by Alif Ailaan, a non-profit organisation, as a follow up on various reports on education which members of the alliance had published.

“The prime minister agreed to hold a follow up meeting with us regarding the recommendations,” she said. Ms Rukh explained that her organisation worked to make math and science education fun for children. “We hope to change the way students perceive these subjects,” she said, adding that the prime minister was candid and forthcoming in his discussion about improving students’ access to science and mathematics.

“Math and science are integral to the country’s future, and our current education system is not adequately delivering the skills our children need,” Prime Minister Abbasi said on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2018