Developing Opportunities: Pakistani official calls for education cooperation for poverty reduction

In a recent interview, Dr. Tehmeena Iqbal, the Section Officer (Plan) of Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security & Research, highlighted China's significant achievements in poverty reduction, emphasizing the potential for Pakistan to learn and benefit from China's model.

The official pointed out that China's intensified structural reforms have played a crucial role in their success, particularly in rural vitalization. "China has implemented its poverty reduction strategy since 1978. From 1978 to 2019, China successfully introduced innovative organizational and operational reforms and trade policies, raising 800 million people out of poverty," she noted.

The official emphasized, "By promoting its own growth, China has always cared about developing countries, helping them achieve development goals through trade, investment, aid, and knowledge sharing."

Pakistan and China have collaborated extensively in agriculture, industry, infrastructure development, energy, and information technology. Development initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have contributed to long-term poverty alleviation.

Except for China and Pakistan's collaboration in agriculture, industry, infrastructure development, energy, and information technology, the official stressed the importance of addressing child labor and improving literacy rates. "Children from low-income families often have to choose between working and getting an education. Enrolling in education can improve the literacy rate and prospects for these families. China can help maintain minimum living standards in Pakistan through collaboration in health, education, and building rural infrastructure," they suggested.

Drawing on experiences from seminars and field visits recently held from June 13 to 26, 2024 in Beijing and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, the official proposed that China could replicate its model of village development, as seen in the Liangshan Prefecture, in Pakistan's Gwadar and other regions. "Such replication could significantly enhance rural development in Pakistan, improving living standards and reducing poverty," she concluded.