Incumbent govt's tenure to end on Aug 14, says PM Shehbaz

The tenure of the present government is ending on August 14 said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, adding that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will then announce the dates for the next general election. Whoever forms the next government should make education the top priority to make this nation great, he said, addressing the launch event of Rs14 billion Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF) in Islamabad. #Live: Prime Minister @CMShehbaz attends a ceremony in #Islamabad https://t.co/tv2fZVLTeN — Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 12, 2023 Around Rs3b have been earmarked in the budget of the financial year 2023-24 for the endowment fund, said Shehbaz, clarifying that this amount will not be deposited into the fund this year but will be disbursed directly in the form of scholarships. The premier said he wants to see allocation for PEEF to increase to Rs140b in the next 10 years. It is only through the promotion of education that the country can move forward on the path of progress and development, he added. Read Education ministry seeks Rs62b in upcoming budget Shehbaz recalled that the Punjab Education Endowment Fund was established back in 2008 and has provided scholarships to 450,000 students. Terming the promotion of education as a sacred duty, the PM said that special focus should be given to areas that are lagging behind in terms of development. He emphasised on education as meaningful and relevant for modern-day requirements to compete with the world better. Read More ECP gets ready for timely elections The premier was appreciative of the financial assistance extended to Pakistan by China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) during difficult times. However, he added, introspection is needed to set the country in the right direction. Meanwhile, Federal Education Minister Rana Tanveer said that scholarships under PEEF will be given in various disciplines, including nursing, engineering and social sciences. Incorporating the Constitution of Pakistan in the syllabus is an important milestone, said Tanveer, adding that this will promote an understanding among the youth about their rights and responsibilities. The incumbent government is also taking steps to promote the quality of education, claimed the minister.