Minister for BOI calls for education reform, skills development, national consensus at international education summit

ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Federal Minister for Investment and Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Wednesday called for modernising Pakistan’s education system, developing future-ready skills and building national consensus to achieve sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Addressing the opening session of the International Education Summit and Expo 2026 here at the COMSTECH Secretariat, the Federal Minister said education was among the most powerful tools for eliminating poverty, empowering young people and transforming economies.

Held on August 19-20 under the theme “Promoting Global Education for Sustainable Growth & Economic Prosperity”, the summit has brought together universities, governments, educationists, business leaders and international stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening global educational cooperation, said a release issued here on Wednesday.

The event is being organised by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), in collaboration with OIC-COMSTECH, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), the Board of Investment and the Sustainable Tourism Forum.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said rapid advances in technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence were reshaping economies and societies, making it essential for educational institutions to equip students with practical skills, digital literacy, critical thinking, communication abilities and entrepreneurial capabilities.

He emphasised that the large and growing youth population of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states represents a major opportunity for economic development. With quality education, modern skills and meaningful employment opportunities, he said, young people could become a powerful engine of innovation, productivity and prosperity across the Muslim world.

The Federal Minister stressed the need for closer coordination between universities, governments and the private sector so that education systems remain aligned with the changing requirements of domestic and international labour markets.

Recalling his experiences as a businessman and politician, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted China’s transformation and its success in lifting millions of people out of poverty. He attributed much of the country’s progress to its emphasis on education, development and national consensus.

He said Pakistan must similarly place education at the centre of its national development agenda. Referring to his efforts in his hometown, he noted his contribution towards establishing a leading campus of FAST National University in Chiniot as an example of his belief that investment in education was an investment in the country’s future.

The Minister expressed concern over the large number of Pakistani children who remained outside the formal education system and called for greater national efforts to ensure access to quality education for every child.

He also underscored the importance of soft skills, including leadership, teamwork, communication, tolerance, resilience and consensus-building. According to him, education must produce not only academically qualified individuals but also responsible, confident and socially conscious citizens capable of engaging constructively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh further highlighted the importance of peace, stability and international cooperation for economic development and investment. In his capacity as Federal Minister for Investment, he said Pakistan was working to strengthen international relations, attract foreign investors and create a more predictable and business-friendly environment.

He said the government was pursuing measures to improve the ease of doing business by simplifying regulatory procedures, removing unnecessary hurdles and streamlining processes for both domestic and foreign investors.

The Federal Minister stressed that Pakistan’s economic future required collective national efforts, long-term policy continuity and consensus around development priorities. He said individual and institutional interests must give way to broader national objectives.

“Develop skills, build consensus and strengthen resilience” should be the key message emerging from the summit, he said, adding that education must remain at the heart of Pakistan’s strategy for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

The opening session was attended by Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, SESRIC Director General H.E. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, ambassadors, university representatives, business leaders, chambers of commerce, educationists and other distinguished guests.

The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the National Anthem of Pakistan. Inaugural and keynote addresses were delivered by representatives of the ICCD, OIC-COMSTECH, FPCCI and SESRIC.

Following the session, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and other dignitaries visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with participating universities and institutions. The two-day exhibition provides educational institutions an opportunity to showcase their programmes, initiatives and opportunities for international students.

The event concluded with the presentation of shields to distinguished guests and speakers in recognition of their participation.

The Board of Investment reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Pakistan as a competitive investment destination and supporting initiatives focused on human capital development, innovation, entrepreneurship, international partnerships and sustainable economic growth.