JI calls for education emergency

LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman Thursday called for a national education emergency with a particular focus on Information Technology (IT) sector.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Bano Qabil Pakistan programme in Lahore, the JI chief criticised the ruling elite for obstructing the youth’s access to affordable and quality education.

The Bano Qabil initiative has been launched with an investment of over Rs 3.5 billion. Originally it started in Karachi and now it has been expanded nationwide under the JI’s charity Al-Khidmat Foundation. The JI chief raised a question that if a non-governmental organisation can provide free education to thousands of students, why the government is unable to do the same?

He said the ruling elite has control over the nation's resources and is indifferent to providing basic facilities to the people. 'The need of the hour,' he emphasised, 'is to overhaul the entire system and remove those who perpetuate it. Only then can the people secure their fundamental rights.' He called for a peaceful political struggle and urged the general public to join the party in this endeavour.

He said the JI believes on active practical support and services for the people. The JI chief condemned the Punjab government’s recent decision of privatising 13,000 schools, asserting that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure free education for its citizens. He emphasised the crucial role the IT sector plays in revitalising the national economy. He also stressed the need of bridging the IT export gap with our neighbouring country. He said the JI would impart IT training to teachers enabling them to educate their students in a better way. He said an organization of the JI also plans to develop a specialised curriculum and establish large-scale training centres in Lahore and other major cities. He said a degree programme will be introduced for students completing IT training under Bano Qabil. The JI chief also urged the government to ensure a fast and uninterrupted internet supply, highlighting the frequent disruptions caused by internet blockages.