ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is currently facing many challenges in the education sector including bringing out of school children into schools, establishing a uniform education system and ensuring quality education, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood told a British delegation on Tuesday.

According to a press release issued by the education ministry, the delegation was led by UK Ambassador Thomas Drew and included Department for International Development Head Joanna Reid and British Council Pakistan Director Rosemary Hilhorst.

“We are working on a comprehensive education policy to address these challenges,” the minister said, adding that a special program will be introduced for street children.

He added that though most of the education ministry’s powers were devolved to the provinces after the 18th Amendment, it will try to play a role in setting direction and will work with provinces to bring about positive changes.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has set up a national task force on education to address these challenges.

Mr Mahmood said his ministry’s focus will be on skill development and human development.

“We are in the process of setting up skill universities,” he said.

Ms Reid said her organisation has worked with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab governments on education and that it will share its experiences with the education ministry which may be helpful in bringing out of school children into schools.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2018