Speakers MES Conference demand education emergency and a new education system

Experts from Across the Country Participate and Express Their Views at the Conference Organized by Minhaj Education Society
Minister for Higher Education Gilgit-Baltistan Shehzad Agha, Dr. Fareed Paracha, Dr. Shahid Saroya, Prof. Mazhar Saleem, and Ahmed Khawar Shehzad Address the Conference
Discussion by Dr. Sajid Mehmood Shehzad, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Dr. Ali Waqar Qadri, Kashif Mirza, and Dr. Waqasia at the National Education Conference

The National Education Conference, organized by Minhaj Education Society, concluded with a declaration stating that the current education system has completely failed. Instead of wasting time on improving it, a new system must be introduced that nurtures a generation devoted to Islam and Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of Minhaj Education Society and Deputy Chairman of Minhaj University Lahore, issued the declaration, emphasizing that the fate of nations is shaped by their curricula and education systems. He stated that Pakistan lags far behind in education, producing unemployed degree holders due to ignorance, illiteracy, and an education system that does not align with modern demands.

He highlighted that in countries like China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Finland, 70% of graduates enter skilled professions directly, while only 30% pursue university education. However, in Pakistan, he said, more than 95% of students seek university admission. This outdated educational framework must be demolished to build a new, functional system.

Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri also pointed out that 26 million children of school-going age are out of school, and those who do attend receive substandard education. Due to the state's negligence, the private sector has turned education into a business. He condemned those who exploit education for profit, warning that such actions cripple generations and will not escape divine accountability.

Minister for Higher Education Gilgit-Baltistan, Ghulam Shehzad Agha, praised the efforts of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in advancing education for Pakistan despite living abroad. He noted that despite limited resources, Gilgit-Baltistan has achieved a 98% literacy rate, though challenges remain. He urged Minhaj University Lahore to establish a campus in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Dr. Fareed Paracha supported the call for a complete overhaul of the education system, stating that the current framework lacks both structure and quality.

Vice-Chancellor of Minhaj University Lahore, Prof. Dr. Sajid Shehzad, in his welcome speech, expressed hope that the conference would open new avenues for thought and solutions. He emphasized that dialogue would lead to problem-solving and that the presence of so many education experts from across the country demonstrated their commitment to national progress.

Dr. Shahid Saroya acknowledged that while resources are limited, education is improving, and for the first time, accurate data is being compiled to identify and address key issues. The primary challenges remain out-of-school children, quality education, and teacher training.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur stressed the need to integrate modern technology into education.

Dr. Kashif Mirza highlighted the role of the private education sector in supporting the state’s educational initiatives and called for its concerns to be addressed.

Ahmed Khawar Shehzad emphasized the need to focus on technical and vocational education.

Dr. Ali Waqar (Director of Services, Minhaj Education Society) and Shoaib Tahir (Director of Operations) outlined Minhaj Education Society's efforts in educational reform.

The panel discussion featured Syed Tufail Hussain Bukhari, Dr. Moeen-ud-Din Nizami, Dr. Jameel-ur-Rehman, Wajahat Hussain, Dr. Waqasia, Dr. Shabbir Deo, Dr. Arif Siddiqui, Prof. Ali Raza, Prof. Ahsan Mukhtar, Ms. Fouzia Ali, Dr. Shagufta Jabeen, and other education experts.<.p>

Ali Waqar Qadri presented the objectives and agenda of the conference, while Shoaib Tahir provided a comprehensive briefing on the initiatives of Minhaj Education Society.