Latest news with #MinistryofFederalEducationandProfessionalTraining


Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministry releases NFE Statistical Report 2023-24
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has released an Annual Statistical Report 2023-24 regarding Non Formal Education (NFE) in Pakistan, with a notable 20% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year. The report showed an estimated enrolment of 35,427 with NFE centers serve 1,290,009 learners. As far as gender parity is concerned, over 57% of learners are girls, with significant regional variations. Report mentioned that 82% of teachers are female, with significant regional variations whereas 3,382 adult literacy centers serve 80,093 learners, demonstrating a significant increase in focus on adult literacy. In addition, around 10,181 refugee children, primarily from Afghanistan, are enrolled in NFE programmes. While the public sector plays a dominant role, the contribution of private and development sector organizations is crucial. Pakistan faces a significant education crisis, with an estimated 25.37 million out-of-school children (OOSC) aged 5-16, according to the 7th Population and Housing Census Report 2023 by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. This number has risen alarmingly, influenced by the impacts of COVID-19 and recent floods. Non-Formal Education (NFE) serves as a vital alternative, providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities for these children. Recent years have witnessed significant developments in the NFE sector, including the formulation of a comprehensive NFE policy, strengthened institutional frameworks, and the scaling up of Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs), including innovative models like ALP (Middle-Tech). The 'Zero OOSC Campaign' in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) a successful collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the community, demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in identifying and enrolling OOSC. The 2023-24 NFE Statistical Report provides valuable insights into the current state of NFE in Pakistan. Annual Report recommended to expand Adult Learning Programme (ALP) Programmes, prioritise the expansion of ALP (Middle-Tech) programs due to their high retention rates (70%) and their ability to provide both academic and vocational skills. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministry of Federal Education, Professional Training: Over Rs19bn earmarked for various uplift schemes
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has earmarked over Rs.19 billion for various uplift schemes of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT) in Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-2026. According to details, over Rs 18.280 billion have been allocated for ongoing development projects while Rs 300 million will be released for new schemes under PSDP. The development projects included scholarship programmes, school infrastructure, teacher training, and skill development. An amount of Rs 164 million has been earmarked for award of 1600 Scholarships to Indian Occupied Kashmir students under the Prime Minister's directives. The amount has also been approved by COWP. New unapproved development projects include Center of Excellence for Autism, H-11/4 Islamabad to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 773.17 million with initial Rs 100 million proposed Model College for Boys (B-17, Islamabad) will be built with an estimated cost of Rs 775.176 million. Over Rs 100 million earmarked in the next PSDP for the proposed project. Similarly, Rs 100 million budget has been allocated for Islamabad Model College for Girls (F-17/2, Islamabad), costing Rs 779.176 million. Over Rs 900 million allocated for the provision of Basic Education Facilities under Federal Directorate of Education FDE (ICT) project. National Institute of Excellence in Teachers Education project will also receive planned allocation of Rs 300 million to execute the project. The government has also planned to enroll Out of School Children under OOSC Enrolment & Retention Program in ICT at a cost Rs. 975 million. The project was approved on 23.05.2024 with initial allocation of Rs 423.877 million. In addition, Rs 262 million will be released for the project under PSDP 2025-26. Inclusive & Responsive Education Program will also get Rs 290 million budget for the purpose. Over Rs 600 million will be provided for NAVTTC Skill Development Programme. Total cost of the project was Rs 4,700 million. Prime Minister's Youth Skill Development Programme will get Rs 4,300 million, Pakistan Education Endowment Fund Rs 1,000 million and Establishment of Danish Schools in ICTRs, 1,000 million respectively. Rs 3,000 million has been allocated for the construction of Danish Schools in AJK and GBA (Including Locations like Sharda, Astore, and Sultanabad). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'Adabi Rabtay' shines at NBF event
National Book Foundation (NBF), under the auspices of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT), successfully hosted the third instalment of literary event 'Adabi Rabtay' at its esteemed Ahmed Faraz Auditorium on Tuesday. The event was graced by the presence of Muhammad Hameed Shahid, a distinguished intellectual, acclaimed fiction writer, and respected literary critic, as the chief guest. Guests of honour included celebrated poet, writer, humourist, and sketch writer Salman Basit, renowned poet Abdul Qadir Taban, prominent poetess, writer, and humourist from the younger generation Dr Fakhira Noreen, and emerging writer Bushra Ayub Khan, said a press release on Tuesday. The event was hosted by Nazia Rehman. The opening remarks were delivered by the Secretary NBF, Murad Ali Mohmand. Managing Director of the NBF, Dr Kamran Jahangir, expressed gratitude to the chief guest, guests of honour, and the participants of the event. He also shared details about the NBF's current and upcoming projects. Abdul Qadir Taban recited two splendid ghazals and also presented his poetry in melody, receiving great appreciation and setting a captivating atmosphere in the gathering. Dr Fakhira Noreen presented three poems that were highly praised for their significant themes. The second part of the programme featured a wonderful musical session, where Salman Adil and Qamar Babar mesmerized the audience with their musical talent.


Express Tribune
20-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Third-party validation of Chromebooks purchase sought
Listen to article The government has instructed an independent third-party validation of the procurement process for refurbished Chromebooks by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The government has amended the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to allow the Ministry of Education to procure refurbished Chromebooks. "An independent third-party validation must be incorporated into the procurement process, in consultation with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of procurement," a source said quoting a decision taken by the federal cabinet in a recent meeting. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training had requested the PPRA to allow it the purchase of 200,000 refurbished Chromebooks for students of schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) from the open market as these were available at lower prices. The ministry explained that various steps were being taken to renovate schools and colleges in ICT, including both infrastructure and technical upgrades, in order to provide quality education. These steps included the upgrading of existing IT labs in ICT schools and colleges by providing latest gadgets, laptops, smart screens and Chromebooks. The ministry noted that providing new laptops and Chromebooks was a costly solution as some laptops cost over Rs200,000 and new Chromebooks were priced above Rs100,000. This would place a heavy burden on the national exchequer. On the other hand, the refurbished Chromebooks, which had been specifically designed for educational purposes, were available locally at much cheaper and more affordable rates, around Rs50,000 to Rs55,000. The ministry assured the PPRA board that due procurement process would be followed in true spirit. It was noted that the PPRA board, in its 83rd meeting held on October 31, 2024, considered the ministry's request. After reviewing the justification provided by the ministry and following detailed deliberations, the board unanimously resolved to grant exemption from the General Conditions of the Contract, Clause 18 of the Standard Bidding Document for the Procurement of General Goods under Section 21 of the PPRA Ordinance 2002 to the Ministry of Federal Education for the procurement of 200,000 refurbished Chromebooks in different tranches – through open competitive bidding. The ministry was directed to develop generic specifications to ensure wider competition, in addition to other features such as performance, battery life, quality and design, and to insert a warranty clause in the contract document. Section 21 of the PPRA Ordinance stipulates that the authority may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, recommend to the federal government that the procurement of an object or a class of objects in the national interest be exempted from the operation of this ordinance or any rule or regulation made thereunder, or any other law regulating public procurement. Upon such recommendations, the federal government shall exempt the aforesaid objects or class of objects from the operation of laws, rules and regulations made thereunder. In light of the above, the recommendation of the PPRA to grant exemption from the General Conditions of the Contract, Clause 18 of the Standard Bidding Document for Procurement of General Goods for the procurement of refurbished Chromebooks (in different tranches) was presented to the federal cabinet for approval. During ensuing discussion, the minister observed that the Ministry of Federal Education must ensure that the Public Procurement Rules 2004 were transparently followed in the procurement of Chromebooks. These Chromebooks must meet the highest standards and quality. Additionally, an independent third-party validation must be incorporated into the procurement process, in consultation with the Ministry of IT and Telecom, to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of procurement. The cabinet decided that the Ministry of Federal Education shall ensure that the Public Procurement Rules were transparently followed in the procurement of refurbished Chromebooks, which must be of highest standard and quality in their category.


Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Timeless hymn's Urdu translation launched
ISLAMABAD: National Book Foundation (NBF) under the auspices of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training hosted the book launch of renowned writer and poet Dr Najeeba Arif's latest literary endeavour, "Nawah e Kazima". The launch took place at the Ahmed Faraz Auditorium on Thursday. "Nawah e Kazima" is a meticulously crafted Urdu translation of the revered "Qaseeda Burda Shareef", a timeless and sacred poem that holds a distinguished place in the Islamic world. Dr Najeeba Arif who is also serving as Chairperson of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Managing Director (MD) of the National Book Foundation (NBF) for publishing her book and organising its launching ceremony. She stated that she was deeply indebted to her mother's prayers, which have guided her throughout her journey. "I feel her presence with me in every moment, and I am grateful for the love and support she instilled in me." She said that "May Allah include us all among the lovers and followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and may we continue to draw inspiration from his teachings and legacy." NBF MD Murad Ali Mohmand said that it was an honour to publish Najeeba Arif's book. "Reading culture shall be promoted and it is moral responsibility of everyone to play his or her part in it," he said.