KARACHI: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Sunday emphasised the urgent need to prioritise education in Pakistan, declaring that “education needs to be made an emergency”.

Speaking as chief guest at a certificate distribution ceremony organised by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) here at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Dr Siddiqui stated that the modern era was defined by skills, and employment opportunities were now more closely linked to skill development than to traditional quotas.

“This is the age of skills. If you have skills, you will find employment. No quota system can stop education anymore,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of combining academic degrees with practical skills, the minister said it was essential to equip youth for the evolving job market. Karachi was the capital of knowledge, industry, trade and civiliaation and it must lead the way. If Karachi changed, Pakistan would change, he added.

Dr Siddiqui asserted that the government was committed to restoring the right to education for the people of Karachi. He also noted the increasing trend of women participation in education, proudly mentioning that 12 out of 15 gold medalists in vocational training were girls.

Addressing the event, NAVTTC Executive Director Amir Jan announced that admissions for new training programmes were open, with classes scheduled to commence from Aug 15. “We have signed agreements with industrialists, builders and investors. Our aim is to provide training alongside formal education,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2025