ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 : The US President paid tribute to the efforts of Education Minister Zobaida Jalal for re- orienting and re-organizing the education sector of Pakistan.

Speaking at a joint press conference in New York with President General Pervez Musharraf, President Bush responding to a question said, “President Musharraf is working hard to strengthen Pakistan.”

It is a rare occasion that a head of the state publicly eulogized the services of a minister of a country.

Ms Jalal represented the whole Asian region in the top-level leaders meeting on education for all (EFA), held in Paris, last month.

The director general Unesco, lauded her contributions in advancing the goals of education for all (EFA) in Pakistan as well as at global level and invited her to represent the Asian group at this global forum.

The Unesco held the minister in high esteem as due to her efforts for the first time in the history of Pakistan almost 300 Pakistani schools have been affiliated with Unesco.

In recognition of this initiative of the minister, Pakistan bagged 2,000 Unesco Human Rights Education prizes.

Owing to her commitment for reinvigorating the education sector of Pakistan, the international development agencies and donor organizations have reposed their confidence in the education policies of Pakistan.

USAID has resumed its assistance for the education sector and has allocated $12.5 million for EFA during next 3 years.

Saudi Fund for development has committed $30 million for EFA and Technical Education and European Union has also allocated funds for education.

Traditional donors like DFID, World Bank, CIDA and ADB etc. have also shown interest in financing of Education Sector Reform Package.—APP