Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has stressed the need for promoting non-formal technical education besides formal education.

He was addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad today in connection with International Literacy Day.

The Minister said today literacy is the foundation of dignity, self-respect and alleviating poverty, which is the biggest challenge being faced by the country. He said out of school children are also a major challenge for the government. 

Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said the future of Pakistan depends on educated and skilled youth. He said at present, one hundred fifty million youth of the country are the biggest challenge as they can become both a liability and an asset.

The Minister said education falls under the purview of the provincial government following the 18th Amendment. However, the Federal government is committed to provide equal education facilities to every child.

Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also lauded the teachers' community for their efforts and commitment to addressing the out of school children.

He emphasized the need of collective efforts by all stakeholders including the government, private sector and international partners to promote quality education in the country and enrolment of out of school children to schools.