ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday proposed to the education ministry to host mobile learning festivals.

He was speaking at an event titled ‘Next Generation Pakistan Learning Festival’. The three-day festival has been organised by the education ministry in collaboration with the National Book Foundation and Idara-i-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) and was inaugurated by Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

According to a press release, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Haleem and prominent parliamentarians including Zubeida Jalal, Anjum Aqeel, Usman Hamza, Sabeen Ghouri, Zaib Jaffar, Nuzhat Sadiq, senators Fauzia Arshad, and Falak Naz among others. Ambassadors of different countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, also attended the event.

Appreciating the ministry for organising the event, Ahsan Iqbal said: “I request the federal education ministry to host a mobile learning festival, which Pakistan Railways will take to every city and district in Pakistan.”

On the other hand, Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah advised students to think critically to succeed in their careers and lives.

The Supreme Court judge visited his alma mater – Islamabad College for Boys (ICB) G-6/3 – to attend the ‘Next Generation Pakistan Learning Festival’, where he took part in a student book club session where he spoke about the importance of critical thinking and asking questions.

“It is the ability of critical thinking that ensures your success,” he said while addressing students.

Mr Minallah said in human history those who have made discoveries and those who have made inventions have done so through critical thinking.

The judge also visited the college premises and reminisced about his time spent there. The book club students presented their review of various books and shared anecdotes with him and the audience.

Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said: “We are investing in education and will provide all possible resources to offer learning opportunities to children.”

This year this event extends its reach to youth aged 17-24, promoting leadership skills and entrepreneurship through over 200 interactive sessions on creative writing, STEAM, robotics, climate action, and more.

ITA CEO Baela Raza Jamil said: “We’re excited to showcase an exceptional lineup of over 200 sessions, specifically designed to promote inclusivity by featuring girls, children with disabilities, minorities, and other groups, offering distinctive learning experience for all children.”

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024