ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan has urged business leaders to allocate at least one percent of their profits to support education for the country’s 26 million out-of-school children.
Speaking as the chief guest at a special gathering organized to support the Green Crescent Trust (GCT), Sardar Yasir highlighted the crucial role of education in Pakistan’s development, comparing the country’s potential progress to that of China.
He called on philanthropists to support organizations like GCT, which focus on establishing quality schools in underserved regions.
“With strong backing from the business community, GCT can rapidly expand its network of schools in Sindh and ensure every underserved area has access to sustainable education,” he said.
The Adviser also praised GCT alumni, particularly women who have returned to teach in their communities, emphasizing the power of education to create a cycle of empowerment.
Sardar Yasir stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in public spending on education and health, urging stricter oversight of government allocations. He also lauded GCT CEO Zahid Saeed for his vision and leadership in combating illiteracy.
Zahid Saeed noted that the federal and provincial governments collectively spent a record Rs 3.2 trillion on education and health, exceeding the country’s defense budget, but emphasized that proper use of these funds is crucial for national progress.
He highlighted GCT’s achievements over 31 years, including 173 charitable schools educating 34,660 students, over 40% of whom are girls.
Support for 2,150 orphans and more than 2,000 qualified teachers. Plans to expand to 250 schools, reaching 100,000 underprivileged children in Sindh over the next five years.
Saeed also announced that starting 2026, GCT will expand beyond Sindh, taking its mission nationwide. The event was hosted by Usman Shaukat, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and was attended by prominent business figures from Islamabad.
