The highly anticipated Next Generation Pakistan Learning Festival was officially launched on Friday by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. The event brought together key figures from the government and judiciary, including Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Supreme Court Judge Justice Athar Minallah, and Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, who played pivotal roles in the inauguration ceremony. The festival will be held at Islamabad College for Girls, G-6/3 Islamabad, from 9 AM to 8 PM, spanning three days from November 15 to 17.
A Three-Day Celebration of Learning and Growth
Speaking at the event, Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed hope that around 200,000 to 300,000 children from across the country would participate in the three-day learning festival. He also announced that similar festivals would be organized at the national level in collaboration with provincial governments, creating a broader educational experience for young minds.
The Next Generation Pakistan Learning Festival, a first of its kind in the country’s history, featured a diverse array of activities, including knowledge sharing sessions, storytelling, documentaries, film screenings, book fairs, book reviews, and Ed-tech and skills-building workshops. The event also saw participation from thousands of students from federal public and private educational institutions, with a special focus on students from Gilgit-Baltistan and Karachi.
Encouraging Young Minds for a Brighter Future
In his address, Justice Athar Minallah praised the potential of the youth, stating, “The limits of development are boundless, and events like these play a vital role in boosting the learning experience of children.” He emphasized that the younger generation holds the key to a prosperous future, and such festivals inspire students to realize their full potential.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal also shared his insights, stressing the importance of replicating such learning festivals across all districts of Pakistan. According to Iqbal, these events provide students with invaluable opportunities to meet successful individuals and gain insights from their journeys.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s journey, Iqbal reminded attendees of the challenges the country faced at its inception. He remarked, “When Pakistan was founded, many doubted its survival. Yet, today, we have become the world’s seventh nuclear power and are manufacturing advanced aircraft like the JF-17 Thunder.”
Fostering a Culture of Learning and Resilience
The Next Generation Pakistan Learning Festival is more than just an academic fair; it is a celebration of Pakistan’s resilience, potential, and the power of education to shape the future. This grand initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter in promoting knowledge-sharing and skill development across the country, nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
