Concerns at increasing number of out-of-school children.

LAHORE -- Speakers at a seminar emphasised the importance of implementing children's fundamental right to education as the number of out-of-school children continues to rise.

The University of Home Economics organised the seminar titled 'Policy Gaps in the Education System of Pakistan' with the collaboration of the Pakistan Youth Parliament.

UHE Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen said, 'Without inclusive and equitable quality education for all, Pakistan will not succeed in achieving gender equality and upbringing the lives of millions across the country.'

She said Pakistan is facing a serious challenge to ensure all children, particularly the most disadvantaged, attend, stay, and learn in school, and currently, Pakistan has the world's second-highest number of out-of-school children.

She said higher education institutes are facing various challenges, including weak industry-university linkages across Pakistan, and therefore we are lacking in innovations.

Dr Nizamud Din, former PHEC chairperson, stated that 27 million children in Pakistan are not in school, and the number is growing every year, despite the fact that education is a constitutional right for every child.

He said access to schools is not being provided to children, and children's access to schools is a...