Islamabad: The British Council has reaffirmed its full support and cooperation with the Government of Pakistan in expanding collaboration in the area of Non-Formal Education, alongside the existing engagements in technical and higher education. The resolve was expressed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and a delegation of the British Council led by Country Head, James Hampson.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Country Head of the British Council congratulated the Federal Minister on the successful conduct of the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers' Conference. He appreciated the significance of its agenda for strengthening coordination and reforms in the education sector.

James Hampson briefed the Federal Minister on the range of services and support being provided by the British Council in the field of technical education across the provinces, as well as in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission. He also shared updates on the progress of ongoing initiatives and future areas of cooperation.

The Country Head of the British Council informed that British universities appreciate Pakistan's progress in the education sector and have expressed their intent to establish campuses and offer online courses in Pakistan for students who cannot afford to go abroad for higher studies.

It was also decided to affiliate educational institutions of the slum areas of Pakistan under relevant technical and skills development frameworks, with the objective of mainstreaming underserved institutions, improving quality assurance and certification, and enhancing access to skills-based and non-formal education opportunities for youth.

The two sides also expressed commitment to further strengthen the partnership for the advancement of education in Pakistan.