ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared an Education Emergency across country to enroll around 26 million out-of-school children and promote literacy to make country regain its lost space and develop it as one of most educated societies in world.

“Today, with iron conviction and support of provinces, we will handle challenge of 26 million out-of-school children. We will bring them back to school...I declare from this moment an Emergency in Education all over Pakistan...Way we did it in Punjab, we will do it in Pakistan,” he said addressing  National Conference on Education Emergency held here.

He told gathering of ministers, parliamentarians, vice-chancellors, diplomats and development partners that he would personally supervise programme and meet all chief ministers, setting aside political affiliations with vision to march in unison, expressing hope that provinces too would extend their support. “This is about our children and our future...This is very challenging task, no doubt. But nations which had faced difficulties and defeat in past arose from ashes of defeat. Germany and Japan are examples.

Why can’t Pakistan be? I guarantee, if we move in unison to find our space, Pakistan will become one of most educated societies one day soon,” he remarked.