Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
The new budget allocation includes significant earmarks for various educational initiatives. An amount of Rs2 billion has been set aside for the Pakistan National Endowment Fund. This fund is instrumental in supporting educational projects and ensuring sustainable development within the education sector.
One of the notable increases is the funding for Daanish schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), which will rise from Rs500 million to Rs5 billion. This substantial increase aims to enhance the quality of education and facilities in these regions, addressing the educational disparities and providing better opportunities for students.
The federal government has allocated Rs250 million under the ongoing scheme of awarding 1,600 scholarships to students from Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This funding falls under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). In 2019, following a directive from the Prime Minister, the government planned to reserve 1,600 scholarships for students from the Indian-occupied territories to provide them with educational opportunities. These scholarships will enable students from IIOJK to pursue higher education at institutions operating under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) in the federal capital.
Several new schemes have been introduced in the education sector under the PSDP for 2024-25. These initiatives aim to address critical issues and improve the educational landscape in Pakistan.
An amount of Rs100 million has been allocated under the “Challenge Fund to Address the Out of School Children (OOSC) Crisis in Pakistan.” This fund is crucial in tackling the significant issue of out-of-school children, aiming to bring more children into the formal education system.
The budget includes Rs225 million for the establishment of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Cadet College at Sharaqpur, Sheikhupura. This institution will play a vital role in providing quality education and training to young cadets, fostering discipline, and leadership qualities.
The government plans to establish six new Daanish schools in AJK, with a budget allocation of Rs500 million under the PSDP. These schools are designed to provide high-quality education to students in underserved regions, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all. Additionally, a Daanish school has been proposed for establishment in Karachi, further expanding the network of these educational institutions.
