Focus on Girls’ Education Guarantees Economic and Social Stability: Rana Sikandar

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, while addressing education ministers, senior education officials, and stakeholders from across the world at the 22nd Education World Forum in London, emphasized that girls’ education is not merely a social issue but an essential and unavoidable need of the modern era.
He thanked the Education World Forum for recognizing the reforms and initiatives introduced by the Punjab government, particularly in the field of girls’ education. He stated that a stronger focus on girls’ education guarantees economic and social stability.
Rana Sikandar Hayat stressed that all stakeholders must fully understand their responsibilities regarding girls’ education, adding that educational challenges are not limited by borders and require global cooperation for effective solutions.
He said girls’ education has been given special priority in Punjab, where female students are being awarded scholarships worth millions of rupees to support their academic pursuits.
The minister noted that girls are demonstrating outstanding academic performance and surpassing boys in several areas. According to him, the success rate of girls in Punjab exceeds 75 percent, compared to 62 percent for boys. He added that female students are also excelling in STEM competitions and co-curricular activities.
He further highlighted that more than half of Punjab’s teaching workforce consists of women, reflecting their growing contribution to the education sector.
Rana Sikandar Hayat said the Punjab government’s vision is to provide leadership opportunities for girls. He added that Pakistan’s first female Chief Minister in its 77-year history, Maryam Nawaz, belongs to Punjab.
He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, special educational opportunities and development projects for girls have been included in both the previous and current fiscal year development budgets.
The Education World Forum brought together global leaders to discuss education reforms, challenges, and future strategies. Participants at the forum appreciated the education reforms and initiatives introduced by the Punjab government.