KOHAT, Dec 24: Federal Education Minister Lt-Gen (retired) Javed Asharf Qazi said on Saturday that the government had decided to increase school education budget from 2.7 per cent to 4 per cent of the GDP to improve quality of education at grassroots level. Talking to journalists at the 12th day parents-day function of Garrison Cadet College here, he said the increase would substantially enhance student enrolment and improve teaching skills.

The allocation would be released to the provinces which would focus on improvement in education infrastructure and quality of courses.

The minister said the government had increased the budget of higher education manifolds.

He said poor education standard was weakening social fabric of the society, adding that corruption, malpractice and disregard for ethical values were hampering the process of national development.

He underlined the need for focusing on character building of students, inculcating discipline and leadership qualities in them. He advised the students to devote their energies to achieving academic excellence in the fields of science and technology.

He lauded the contribution made by the founders of the college and expressed the hope that it would maintain its superb standard.

Earlier, Brig (Retd) Tariq Saeed, principal of the college, in his welcome address said the college had earned laurels in academic and sports activities and mentioned developmental projects currently in pipeline.

Later, the minister gave away prizes, medals and trophies to prominent students for their outstanding performances in academic, sports and extracurricular activities.

The academics trophy was bagged by Faizan Taj and best cadet in sports trophy went to Aabid bin Aabid. Shamsul Hayat was decorated with the principal trophy.

Ghazali House was declared the best house of the college.

Earlier, the cadets presented a parade and displayed PT and gymnastic performances.

The principal gave souvenir to the minister who visited different stalls. —-APP