ISLAMABAD: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the country must prioritise scientific, technical and creative learning to meet the demands of modern world.

He said this while speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Beaconhouse School System and the closing ceremony of the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Conference.

Mr Gilani stressed that providing access to quality education in every corner of the country was a shared responsibility of all.

He said education was the heartbeat of national progress and today, that heartbeat was stronger and more vibrant than ever. He appreciated progress of Beaconhouse, stating that what began in 1975 with only 19 students has now grown into a remarkable journey spanning six countries and serving nearly 400,000 students through one of the largest school systems in the world.

“This is not just the success story of one institution, but a shining chapter in the history of Pakistan’s educational advancement and development,” he said.

The acting president paid glowing tributes to the founder and chairperson of Beaconhouse Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, acknowledging her vision and extraordinary services in transforming the educational landscape of Pakistan. He remarked that she had not only revolutionised education but had also paved the way for women to take on dynamic roles in leadership, education and social development.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s SOT event ‘Rethinking Education’, he noted that in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven era, this theme held immense significance. Artificial intelligence, digital learning and global transformations have reshaped the needs of the education sector. Education is no longer limited to employability it is about creating real and lasting change in the world.

Mr Gilani recognised teachers as the architects of the nation and lauded their dedicated services. He encouraged students to continue their pursuit of knowledge and to keep asking questions.

He emphasised that education was every child’s fundamental right, saying it ensured national development, democratic stability and a secure future. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmad Shah also attended the event titled ‘School of Tomorrow XVIII: Rethinking Education – 50th Anniversary Edition’ organised by the Beaconhouse School System in Islamabad.

The minister appreciated Beaconhouse for its outstanding contributions toward quality education, creativity and innovation in learning. He remarked that innovation in education is the foundation of developed societies, adding that institutions fostering knowledge, creativity and critical thinking pave the way for a brighter and stronger future.

He expressed the hope that this institution would continue to play a positive role in equipping Pakistan’s youth with the skills and mindset required to meet global challenges.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Chairperson Beaconhouse Group Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri highlighted the social contribution of institutions for empowerment of women and inculcation of a sense of dignity to the profession of teaching. CEO Beaconhouse Kasim Kasuri also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2025