Hafiz Naeemur Rehman calls for a national education emergency, with a particular focus on the IT sector
LAHORE, Nov 07 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called for a national education emergency, with a particular focus on the Information Technology (IT) sector.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bano Qabil Pakistan program in Lahore on Thursday, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman sharply criticized the ruling elite for obstructing access to affordable, quality education for the youth.
The Bano Qabil initiative, which aims to equip millions of young people with free IT skills, has been launched with an investment of over Rs. 3.5 billion. Originally started in Karachi, the program will now expand nationwide under the JI’s charity Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman raised a pointed question: if a non-governmental organization can provide free education to thousands of students, why is the government unable to do the same? He argued that the ruling elite, who control the nation’s resources, are indifferent to providing even the most basic facilities to the people. “The need of the hour,” Hafiz Naeemur Rehman emphasized, “is to overhaul the entire corrupt system and remove those who perpetuate it. Only then can the people secure their fundamental rights.” He called for a peaceful political struggle and urged the public to join Jamaat-e-Islami in this endeavor. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman made it clear that JI is not just engaged in a peaceful democratic struggle for the rights of the people, but is actively providing practical support and services. He pointed to Bano Qabil as one of the many sectors where JI continues to serve the community.
The JI Emir also condemned the Punjab government’s recent decision to privatize 13,000 schools, asserting that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure free education for its citizens.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman further emphasized the crucial role the IT sector plays in revitalizing the national economy. While Pakistan’s IT exports stand at around $3 billion, India’s IT exports have surged to approximately $300 billion, he noted. “There is an urgent need to bridge this gap and compete with our neighboring country,” he said.
In line with this vision, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced that Jamaat-e-Islami would also offer IT training for teachers, enabling them to better educate their students. The AlKhidmat Foundation, he said, also plans to develop a specialized curriculum and establish large-scale training centers in Lahore and other major cities. Additionally, a degree program will be introduced for students completing IT training under Bano Qabil.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also urged the government to ensure a fast and uninterrupted internet supply, highlighting the frequent disruptions caused by internet blockages. “We must raise a strong, unified voice against these internet shutdowns,” he said, stressing their negative impact on the country’s educational and technological progress.