Minister underscores role of education in building progressive society

Islamabad:Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar on Thursday reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the nation's future through education, saying education is the foundation of a strong, progressive society.

She was addressing a ceremony at Bahria University here where the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, in collaboration with the Hashoo School of Hospitality Management, awarded scholarships to students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality management.

The event marked a significant step in aligning education with industry needs, particularly in the rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector. Guests included Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Zeb Jaffar, Chief Operating Officer of Hashoo Hospitality and Education Haseeb A Gardezi, chief executive officer of Hashoo Group Bastien Blanc, PEEF CEO Syeda Hajra Suhail, among other dignitaries and academic leaders.

In a keynote address, Qamar lauded the initiative as a visionary effort to empower youth with industry-relevant skills.

The CEO of PEEF emphasised the impact of targeted programs like the Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship in creating opportunities for talented youth, particularly from underserved regions. Echoing the sentiment, Haseeb Gardezi highlighted the increasing demand for trained professionals in the hospitality industry.

“We are proud to be nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of tourism in Pakistan,” he said. He said that the scholarship recipients were set to embark on a transformative educational journey, equipped with the skills and passion necessary to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s tourism landscape.

The event concluded with a message of appreciation for all stakeholders involved in driving this collaborative and forward-looking initiative, with campuses located in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Meanwhile, state minister Wajiha Qamar visited the main offices of the National Institute of Excellence in Teacher Education in Islamabad. She was given a detailed tour of the facility, where she witnessed how the NIETE is using data, digital tools and teacher training to transform classrooms. The minister assured the institute her continued support in improving foundational learning of every child.