Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held an important meeting in Lahore with Ibrahim Hassan Murad, former caretaker Punjab Education Minister and Chairman of the University of Management and Technology (UMT). The conversation centered on governance, educational challenges and the broader national issues shaping Pakistan’s future. Both leaders underscored the urgency of strengthening academic pathways for young Pakistanis.
During the discussion, Bilawal Bhutto and Ibrahim Murad voiced deep concern over the staggering figure of more than 25 million children currently out of school. They agreed that the scale of the crisis demands immediate national focus, calling it one of the country’s most pressing challenges. The conversation highlighted that no governance model can succeed without prioritizing access to education.
A significant portion of the meeting explored the role of university-level learning and its long-term social impact. The two leaders reflected on how higher education not only expands career opportunities but also shapes more informed, skilled and responsible communities. They emphasized that improving institutional quality and policy support is essential for enabling universities to fulfill their role in national development.
Ibrahim Hassan Murad noted that strong governance is fundamentally rooted in effective and forward-looking policymaking. He stressed that education remains at the center of Pakistan’s crisis landscape and must be treated as a national priority rather than a sectoral matter. His remarks reinforced the belief that long-term progress depends on consistent investment in human capital.
Bilawal Bhutto praised UMT for its contributions to promoting higher education and acknowledged the institution’s expanding role in providing opportunities to the youth. He stated that ensuring quality educational facilities across the country is imperative for empowering a new generation that can lead Pakistan toward stability and growth.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to enhancing opportunities for students and supporting initiatives that uplift the educational sector. Their shared stance reflects growing political and academic consensus that Pakistan’s future prosperity is tied closely to addressing educational inequality and strengthening governance structures.
