SHEIKHUPURA, Jan 8: Punjab Excise and Taxation Minister Dr Shafiq Chaudhry has said knowledge creates awareness and gives new dimensions to nations for progress and prosperity.

The Punjab minister expressed these views while addressing the oath taking ceremony of Avesena Federation of Educational and Social Welfare Societies, Punjab.

Dr Shafiq said the government was committed to providing maximum facilities to the non-government organizations (NGOs) for promotion of education and literacy.

The minister was all praise for the federation president, Col Ikramullah Khan, for his service rendered for the promotion of literacy. He said non-formal education was the key to achieving high literacy rate. The chief minister had given special importance to this sector and it was for the first time that a separate ministry of literacy was created, he added.

He stressed the need for training along with education. "Proper training of an individual changes the psyche of the nation and make people responsible and law abiding."

Dr Shafiq said the government was fully aware of its responsibilities and would provide all cooperation in making Sheikhupura a model district. Nazim Tawakkal Virk also spoke on the occasion and assured full cooperation of the district government to the federation in its education plans in the district.

Earlier, Dr Shafiq inaugurated a workshop on "The role of NGOs in education and training of women." He also visited special education school and donated Rs20,000. Later, he administered oath to the federation office-bearers.