It is a fact that no nation can effectively progress without a strong human capital base and education is the key to overall human resource development. The previously neglected sector of education had been identified by the government as a crucial area of focus for the overall development of the country. A holistic approach was adopted in this regard, which aims at enhancing literacy levels, improving the quality of primary and secondary education and giving a major boost to higher education. We are targeting 60% literacy level by the year 2005, raising it to over 90% by 2015, and producing 1500 PhDs per year mainly in science subject by the year 2009. The present position of student entering higher education is to be enhanced from 2.6% to 5% by 2009.

The challenges before the HEC are therefore very clear and they have to deliver, as this is not only in the interest of development of the country, but even more so for the socio-economic uplift of the people of Pakistan. The 150 million people of Pakistan have enormous potential to excel in many areas. Their intelligence, their dynamism and their ability to learn are second to none. It is our duty to provide them with the opportunities and enabling environment.

May Allah Almighty be with us in our endeavours. Ameen.