KARACHI: Awarding teaching licences to over 600 successful candidates, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to introducing highly qualified educators through the Sindh Teacher Education Development Authority (STEDA), saying quality education begins with quality teachers.

He said this while speaking at the licence awarding ceremony organised by the Education Department at CM House on Tuesday.

During the occasion, the chief minister awarded teaching licences to 646 successful candidates, including 297 JEST and 195 pre-service licences. He highlighted that only 646 out of 4,000 candidates passed the test, reflecting a low success rate of about 16 per cent.

The ceremony was attended by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, Minister for Livestock Mohammad Ali Malkani, Secretary School Education Zahid Abbasi, diplomats, MPAs, educationists and members of civil society.

CM Shah expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders, including teachers, officials and development partners, for their unwavering commitment to educational excellence in the region.

CM Murad vows to expand licensing to private, early childhood education sectors

He recalled that three years ago, the idea of issuing teaching licences was proposed by Sardar Shah. He mentioned, “It was said that licences should be given to those who are shaping our future,” describing this initiative as a vital step towards ensuring competency and accountability within the teaching profession.

He said, “We have a lot of work to do to improve education standards.”

Moreover, he raised concerns over millions of children being out of school and stressed the need to assess the quality of education provided to those who are enrolled.

He also addressed local grievances regarding the hiring process, illustrating the need for fairness in educational opportunities.

Looking ahead, CM Shah expressed aspirations to expand the teaching licence initiative to private institutions and early childhood education sectors.

He reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to overcoming logistical hurdles and extending the policy’s reach.

The chief minister celebrated this milestone as a proud moment for Sindh, encouraging all education stakeholders to view this not as an endpoint but the beginning of a new era in teaching professionalism. He concluded with a hopeful vision that licensed teachers will inspire the next generation and contribute to a bright future for Sindh.

Speaking on the occasion, the education minister said that today marked a joyful day for him, as a dream envisioned three years ago had now become a reality.

“Change is welcomed, but it is essential that it is effective,” the minister emphasised.

The education minister highlighted that the implementation of teaching licences would bring significant improvements to the education system. Referring to misconceptions, he noted that some individuals believed the licences were akin to weapon permits for teachers.

“Initially, we recruited teachers without licences as running schools was our priority,” he explained.

Moving forward, all newly recruited teachers will undergo training before being issued licences. Only licensed teachers will be appointed in future recruitments, he confirmed.

“Teaching should be viewed not merely as a job but as a service and a responsibility,” stressed the education minister. He further remarked that trained teachers are crucial for preparing the next generation.

“I see myself not just as the Minister of Education, but as an administrator of education, making decisions under the guidance of educational experts,” concluded the minister.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Secretary Education Zahid Abbasi, Dr Sajid Ali of Aga Khan University, Shehzad Roy and STEDA Executive Director Rasool Bux Shah.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025