Decision regarding reopening schools, colleges on 24th: Shafqat

All education/health ministers will meet on March 24 at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to take a decision regarding reopening or further closure of educational institutions.

He made these remarks at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Monday.

The Minister said that closure of education institutions was a difficult decision as the previous lockdown has already caused heavy loss to the students.

About the single national curriculum, Shafqat Mahmood said that it will improve educational standards for Pakistanis across the country irrespective of their socio-economic class and will eliminate individualism. The aim of this initiative is to bring equality and help to get rid of division among the society.

"We have prepared it keeping in mind modern standards of education”, he added.

He said that the government has started a program worth Rs10 billion to impart latest skill training to 170,000 people.

The Minister added that government’s next target is to impart modern training to the teachers to meet the needs of the global standards.

He said that a strong linkage can help in demand driven research which can result in developing new technologies for producing medium to hi-tech products. This will ultimately help us in value addition in our exports and also reduce the import bill through expansion in our manufacturing base.

Earlier on Sunday, taking to his Twitter account, the minister prompted the masses that the third wave of the COVID-19 is serious, therefore, it requires careful review.

"All education/health ministers will meet Wednesday, March 24, at the NCOC [National Command and Operation Centre] to take a decision regarding opening or further closure of educational institutions," the minister wrote.

"The health of students, teachers, [and staff is of] primary consideration."

The third coronavirus wave is serious; requires careful review. All education/health ministers will meet Wednesday March 24 at the NCOC to take a decision regarding opening or further closure of educational institutions. Health of students, teachers/staff primary consideration

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) March 21, 2021