Islamabad: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on 10-July-2025 announced that the Federal Non-Formal Education Policy 2025 was currently in development, with the ambitious objective of achieving a ‘zero out-of-school children’ target.
He also declared that the National Action Plan for Non-Formal Education 2025 was also in the works to support that goal.
During the launch of Pakistan’s Non-Formal Education Report 2023-24 on the main campus of the Allama Iqbal Open University here, Dr Siddiqui said that out-of-school children were being brought into the education system through accelerated learning programmes.
He also revealed plans for a comprehensive management framework and a standardised teacher assessment system, both of which will soon be introduced to strengthen the sector.
Emphasising the importance of evidence-based strategies, the minister said that his ministry was prioritising data-driven policymaking to align with contemporary educational demands.
“This report reflects effective coordination between federal and provincial institutions,” he noted, commending the Pakistan Institute for Education and the JICA-supported AQAL Project for their contributions.
Urging all stakeholders to utilise the findings and data of the report, Dr Siddiqui highlighted its importance for planning, outreach and future policy development.
He underscored the pivotal role of education in national progress, saying no nation can advance without investing in education.
The minister also said that the federal government was according special focus on female education, recognising its role in economic empowerment and inclusive development.
“Women represent half the population. Their participation is essential for national growth,” he said.
Calling the report a “critical tool” for informed policymaking, Dr Siddiqui stressed that improvements in access, quality and governance in non-formal education depend on reliable data systems.
He noted that the Education Management Information System Cell dedicated to non-formal education is performing effectively and playing a key role in tracking sectoral progress.
Federal education secretary Nadeem Mehbub also attended the event.
Published in News Daily on 11 July 2025.
