Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has directed the formation of a joint committee to develop a practical, time-bound framework for reforming Islamabad's education system, with clearly defined deadlines and institutional responsibilities.

Chairing a consultative meeting on the education system of the Islamabad Capital Territory, he stressed that establishing model schools requires comprehensive improvements in teaching standards, learning outcomes and governance, alongside the provision of adequate infrastructure.

He directed that the proposed reform plan prioritise rural schools and address key challenges, including inadequate facilities, teacher shortages, professional training, curriculum development, examination systems and funding.

During the meeting, the Planning Ministry's Sector Specialist for Education presented an independent evaluation of 50 educational institutions, comprising 34 rural and 16 urban schools. The assessment highlighted disparities in educational quality, weaker learning outcomes in rural institutions and a gap between examination results and students' actual understanding of the subjects.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan and Farah Naz, Secretary Federal Education and Professional Training Nadeem Mahbub, members of the Planning Commission, deans, senior policy experts and other stakeholders from Islamabad's education sector.