Lahore’s business fraternity to be asked to support education drive in Sindh

In an unusual initiative, Lahore's business fraternity will gather on the eve of the International Day of Education to endorse the commendable effort of enrolling out-of-school children in Sindh led by Karachi-based non-profit Green Crescent Trust (GCT).

Hosted by the GCT, the event in a Lahore hotel commemorates the International Day of Education, observed every January 24 as per the UN's declaration.

During the occasion, prominent figures from Lahore's business community would rally behind GCT's charitable campaign to enroll a total of 100,000 out-of-school children in Sindh. The objective included establishing a network of 250 schools by the end of 2025.

Over the past 29 years, GCT had steadfastly worked against illiteracy in Sindh, constructing 166 charitable schools in remote areas. These schools had successfully enrolled 31,800 children from deprived families.

Zahid Saeed, the CEO of GCT, expressed optimism about the fifth fundraiser in Lahore, anticipating overwhelming support from the business community. He emphasised the philanthropic responsibility of Lahore's business elite to contribute to ending illiteracy in less-privileged areas of the country.

Saeed noted that it would be a rare occasion where Lahore's business community united to educate children from deprived families in the neighboring province of Sindh.

Recalling last year's fundraiser, where Punjab Governor Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman was the chief guest, Saeed highlighted the governor's appreciation for Lahore's businessmen supporting the education of underprivileged children in Sindh, emphasising their significant contribution to national cohesion and integrity.

Caretaker Punjab Energy, Industries, and Commerce Minister SM Tanveer and Interim Punjab Health Minister Prof Dr Javed Akram would be chief guests, with Interim Federal IT and Telecommunications Minister Dr Umar Saif likely to attend the event.