RAWALPINDI, Dec 30: The government has prepared a plan under which public schools will be given to the private sector for starting afternoon and evening classes to raise the literacy level in the country, the education minister, Zobaida Jalal, said on Sunday.

She was speaking at the annual parents day of Jinnah Preparatory School.

The minister said some 40 per cent education is being supplemented by the private sector throughout the country. She said the plan would be presented to the federal cabinet for approval.

She expressed the hope that the scheme, already under implementation in the Punjab and the NWFP, would help cater to the increasing needs for spreading education in the country, particularly, among those sections of the society who were unable to send their children to schools.

Ms Zobaida said rebuilding the country by providing quality education was indeed a vital thing.

She called on the people not to indulge in choosing forms and ideologies which were against the basic ideology of Pakistan.

She said: “Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, dialogue, and respects the rights of an individual. It urges people to cooperate in the achievement of righteousness and calls for co-existence, mutual acquaintance and cohesion among all nations of the world irrespective of their culture, race or religion.”—APP

Our Reporter Adds: Education is a legitimate right of every citizen and it allows them to achieve independence, respect, esteem and become a useful member of the society, the federal education minister, Zobaida Jalal, said.

She said: “Our education sector reforms devoted four programmes to support the efforts of the public and private sector institutions in the struggle against illiteracy, developing teaching material, restoring Quranic education and updating teaching methods.

The minister said a similar interest was being paid to providing necessary education to young girls in rural areas and other deserving people of the society. She also announced Rs50,000 and a set of books, including encyclopaedia, for the school.

The District Nazim Rawalpindi, Raja Tariq Kiyani, who was also present on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the school’s faculty member and administrators. He promised to provide support to the school.

Earlier, the education minister distributed prizes among students who excelled in studies and extra-curricular activities.

A colourful cultural show was presented by the students. The principal informed the audience about the organization of the school and achievements of the students in the board exams.