Islamabad, Pakistan (CU)_ Pakistan and the United States shared a willingness to strengthen relations by continuing to collaborate in the sectors of education and culture. The decision was concluded during a meeting between Angela Aggeler, the US Charge d’Affaires in Pakistan, and Shafqat Mahmood, the Federal Minister of Education, Vocational Training, National Heritage and Culture.
Shafqat said that the two countries’ educational ties are very strong and that US study programs in various formats have aided Pakistan’s capacity building. He specifically highlighted how the Fulbright program aided in the progress of faculties, which was helpful in raising educational standards. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education sector, university collaboration initiatives, the role of technology in education, the single national curriculum, and technical and skills cooperation were also addressed by the officials.
Shafqat mentioned that the educational ties between the two countries are the best in the world and that it benefits people of the two countries to learn from each other as well as exchange their skills. He emphasized the ministry’s efforts to keep the education process going even during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiatives include the launch of the Tele school, the Radio School, the E-Taleem platform, the distance education project, and the formation of online content.
He mentioned that the effects of these extensive initiatives, such as the use of technology in education, measures to develop reliable internet access across the world, teacher training, and the Madrassah reform program, will be reflected in the coming few years, and that the outlook of education will be changed. On highlighting about the two countries’ bilateral ties, Angela Aggeler said that President Joe Biden was very acquainted with Pakistan and that the two countries’ relations will get even better in the future. Both sides reemphasized their strong desire to reinforce their relations by making long-term commitments. Farah Hamid Khan, the Federal Secretary of Education, was also present at the conference.
