ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday (today) urged the nation to focus on learning mathematics and sciences to progress in all spheres and attain a coveted place in the comity of nations.
He was addressing an event on the launch of the first volume by the Pakistan Alliance for Maths and Science’s publication Volume I – “How maths and science power nations.”, a project by Alif Ailaan.
The PM said the future of every nation is based on learning mathematics and sciences and said the ancient civilisations relied on their knowledge, innovated and built cities that still were a source of marvel.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the Muslims of sub- continent rose to the fore due to the efforts of educated scholars and in this regard specially mentioned Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s efforts.
He said Pakistan is now a member of CERN and its scientists are now bringing a good name to the country.
He said their placement at world’s leading scientific research centre was only possible due to their hard work and commitment to attain higher knowledge.
He regretted that in the past the vital areas of food security, environmental issues, educational reforms, economic stability were ignored, however, the present government was making hectic efforts to overcome the lapses of the past, and take the country on the path of progress and prosperity.
Prime Minister Sharif said last week he represented Pakistan at the World Economic Forum in Davos and said the world was getting ready for the fourth industrial revolution and recalled his meeting with Chairman Microsoft Bill Gates and CEO of Ali Baba Jack Ma.
He said for a bright Pakistan, the young generation needs to lead the world markets in all spheres, but this can only be achieved by getting a quality education in sciences and mathematics.
He said his presence here was to strengthen the vision of his government for a better and brighter Pakistan that occupies a prominent position amongst the comity of nations.
He said his government was endeavouring to improve the condition of the educational institutions and was upgrading all schools in the federal area in order to bring these at par with those in the modern world.
The PM directed the Capital Administration Directorate and all provincial governments to benefit from the recommendations of the conference so as to significantly enhance their quality of education.
The first volume was launched by Alif Ailaan – a campaign that seeks to put education at the front and centre of public discourse in Pakistan.
The campaign points that there were 24 million boys and girls out of school, of those children who do go to school, the vast majority receive poor quality education, 45% of government schools were in a dilapidated condition and lack basic facilities.