National Commission for Human Development, 14 & 15 floors, Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad (2026)

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14 & 15 Floors, Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, Jinnah Avenue

22/09/2026

MoU Signed between NCHD and LCCI to Promote Literacy in Industries dated 21st September 2026

The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote literacy and education among workers in industrial and business sectors.

Under the MoU, NCHD and LCCI will collaborate to facilitate literacy initiatives within industrial establishments, particularly for workers who have had limited access to formal education. The initiative aims to provide basic literacy and educational opportunities at or near workplaces, enabling workers to improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills.

The collaboration will encourage industries and business organizations affiliated with LCCI to support workplace literacy programmes and facilitate the establishment of literacy centres where feasible. NCHD will provide its technical expertise, literacy resources and programme support, while LCCI will facilitate coordination with its member industries and business community.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving human development, promoting inclusive education and creating better opportunities for workers through literacy. By bringing education closer to workplaces, the initiative seeks to contribute towards a more skilled, educated and productive workforce.

The MoU marks an important step towards strengthening public-private collaboration for the promotion of literacy and human development in Punjab. The preseident of LCCI and Director Operations NCHD Punjab signed this document.

15/09/2026

ISLAMABAD: Ten-year-old Nasia Khan used to watch other children leave for school while she stayed home, kept from classrooms by the distance from her family’s settlement and her laborer father’s fear for her safety on the journey.

Now she walks to a makeshift school in her own neighborhood, Farash Town on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, where she studies English, mathematics and Urdu.

Khan is among thousands of children being brought into education through non-formal learning centers as authorities try to tackle a problem that persists even in Islamabad, where poverty, migration and lack of nearby schools leave children outside the conventional education system.

A door-to-door survey by the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) has identified 26,916 out-of-school children in Islamabad, with around 18,000 so far enrolled in formal, private or non-formal schools, according to NCHD officials.

“When we came to this settlement, the school was very far away and my father wouldn’t let me go to a distant school, thinking someone might kidnap me,” Khan told Arab News inside the tent school in Farash Town, where dozens of children were taking lessons.

“When this school opened, I joined it and came to this school,” she said. “First, I came, and after that my siblings got admitted. Two sisters study in nursery and one studies in prep.”

Pakistan faces one of the world’s largest out-of-school populations. The country’s 2023 census counted around 25.4 million children aged five to 16 outside school, including 89,127 in Islamabad.

The more recent NCHD survey targeted communities across the capital to identify children currently outside education and find places for them in government and private schools or non-formal centers in underserved areas.

“Islamabad attracts migrants from across Pakistan looking for work or daily labor. They live in rented homes, and if their work shifts from one sector to another, they relocate their entire family,” NCHD Director of Education Habibullah Khan told Arab News. “This inter-district and intra-district migrations are a major factor.”

Poverty compounds the problem. In neighborhoods without government schools, families may be unable to afford private fees or the cost and difficulty of transporting young children elsewhere. Security concerns and cultural restrictions can create additional barriers for girls.

Habibullah said around 55 percent of children enrolled through NCHD’s non-formal education program were girls.

The centers are intended as a bridge into conventional schooling rather than a permanent alternative. Communities provide classroom space and teachers are recruited locally, while the government supplies uniforms, textbooks, notebooks and stationery.

Children work through primary grades before being moved into formal schools when possible, Habibullah said.

For some, the route back to a classroom follows years of disruption.

Abrar Ahmed, 14, moved with his family from the northwestern Waziristan district in 2021 after worsening militancy disrupted schooling in his hometown. After arriving in Islamabad, he remained out of school for another two years.

“When I came here from the village, the conditions were bad there. The school there was closed due to one thing and another thing. I came here to Islamabad; we got home on rent,” Ahmed said.

“I started attending school here. I am in the 5th grade,” said Ahmed, who wants to become a doctor. “If things weren’t bad back then, I would have been in the 8th grade.”

Non-formal centers typically enroll 20 to 30 children, including those who have never attended school and those who dropped out after completing several grades.

“We enrolled some of these children into formal education through Federal Directorate of Education schools, and others into private schools,” Habibullah said.

“However, there were many areas where government schools were non-existent, and parents could not afford private school fees. In those locations, we implemented international best practices through non-formal education.”

For Khan, access to a classroom has already brought three of her younger siblings into school with her.

“When I finish my studies, I will become a teacher,” she said.

No Child Left Behind — Education for Every Child, Everywhere.

09/09/2026

NCHD Celebrates 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day with Development Partners

Islamabad: The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), in collaboration with UNESCO, UNICEF, JICA and other development partners, organized a special ceremony to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate literacy efforts and ensure learning opportunities for all. The theme of this year is ‘Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.’

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, as the Chief Guest. The event brought together senior government officials, educationists, development partners, representatives of international organizations, teachers, literacy volunteers, learners and other stakeholders committed to advancing the cause of literacy in Pakistan.
In his address, the Federal Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding literacy and non-formal education opportunities, particularly for children, youth and adults who remain outside the formal education system. He appreciated the efforts of NCHD and its partners in promoting literacy and emphasized the importance of collective action, innovation and community participation to address Pakistan’s literacy challenges.

Chairman NCHD highlighted the importance of literacy as a fundamental pillar of human development, social inclusion and national progress. He emphasized that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write, but a gateway to dignity, opportunity, employability and lifelong learning.

Director General NCHD spoke about the Commission’s ongoing initiatives to expand literacy and non-formal education across the country. He highlighted NCHD’s Each One Teach One (EOTO) initiative, community-based literacy interventions and efforts to mobilize teachers, volunteers, communities and development partners in the national campaign against illiteracy. He stressed that the scale of Pakistan’s literacy challenge requires a sustained, coordinated and people-centered response.

Representatives of UNESCO, UNICEF and JICA, along with the Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and other distinguished speakers, shared their perspectives on strengthening literacy, lifelong learning, teacher development, innovative approaches and partnerships for achieving inclusive and equitable education. Minister Education Balochistan and representatives from other provincial Education departments also attended the event.

The speakers acknowledged that despite significant efforts over the decades, Pakistan continues to face serious challenges in improving literacy and ensuring access to quality learning for all segments of society. They called for stronger institutional coordination, increased investment, innovative delivery mechanisms, digital and community-based solutions, and greater engagement of volunteers and civil society.
The ceremony also recognized the contribution of those working at the grassroots level. Shields and certificates of appreciation were distributed among outstanding teachers, literacy volunteers and learners in recognition of their dedication, commitment and achievements in promoting literacy and lifelong learning.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment by NCHD, its development partners and stakeholders to work together for a more literate, educated and empowered Pakistan, in line with the national and global commitment to leaving no one behind.

08/09/2026

The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, in collaboration with JICA & Unesco hosted the International Literacy Day 2026 celebrations at Zaki Auditorium, AIOU, Islamabad, marking the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day.

The event brought together federal and provincial leadership, development partners and education stakeholders to reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing literacy and inclusive education across Pakistan.

The programme featured key messages from UNESCO and UNICEF, a discussion by JICA on partnerships for literacy, the launch of the EOTO Mobile App, provincial priorities, NFE reforms, and addresses by the Chief Guest and Co-Chief Guest.

The event was graced by Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with representatives from Balochistan, UNICEF, UNESCO, JICA, NCHD, AIOU and the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training.

The celebration reaffirmed a collective commitment to strong partnerships, innovative solutions and inclusive education — building a more literate, educated and prosperous Pakistan, leaving no one behind.

27/08/2026

Two-Day RISE Project Training for NCHD Staff Concludes in Peshawar

Peshawar, August 21, 2026: The two-day training of NCHD staff from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan on the implementation of the RISE Project, funded by PHDF, successfully concluded in Peshawar.

The second day of the training focused on key implementation aspects of the RISE Project, including the roles and responsibilities of skill trainers and resource persons, identification and orientation of skilled persons, teachers’ orientation and training, and finalization of session plans for the training of teachers. The sessions provided practical guidance to the district teams for effective and standardized implementation of project activities.

The training covered the RISE Project’s implementation strategies, roles and responsibilities of NCHD staff and jail authorities, coordination mechanisms, and major components, including basic literacy, skills development, post-literacy education, health and hygiene awareness, and counselling sessions.

Director Literacy, Syed Akbar Ali, recapped the major topics covered during the two-day training and briefed the participants on the financial breakdown of different project activities, ensuring clarity regarding implementation requirements and resource utilization.

During the closing session, Director Operations KP, Mr. Anwar Iqbal, interacted with the participants and sought their feedback regarding the training. In his closing remarks, he appreciated the active participation of the district teams and emphasized professional coordination and effective implementation of the project. He also thanked the Director General NCHD for his valuable leadership in securing such important projects and for taking a personal interest in promoting human development through skills and education.

Following the closing remarks, certificates of participation were distributed among all participants in recognition of their active participation and engagement throughout the two-day training.

At the end, Director Operations KP, Mr. Anwar Iqbal, presented certificates of appreciation to the resource persons in recognition of their professional, effective, and interactive delivery of the two-day training. A group photo was taken at the conclusion of the training. Training ended with the vote of thanks.

19/08/2026

NCHD Conducts EOTO Orientation Session at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Islamabad: August 18, 2026
In a significant achievement under the EOTO initiative Quaid Azam University Islamabad has launched the program aimed at engaging its students to promote the cause of literacy in the country.
In this regard, NCHD literacy team conducted a detailed orientation session on the Each One Teach One (EOTO) program at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, aimed at engaging university faculty and students in the national effort to promote literacy.

The session was attended by focal persons and faculty members representing 20 departments of QAU, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to supporting the national literacy agenda.
The session was managed by

Dr. Amir Ali, Director Academics QAU and Dr. Salma Malik, HOD, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies. Syed Akbar Ali, Director Literacy, NCHD; Dr. Tahir Zubair, Deputy Director Literacy, NCHD; and Hasan Abbas, Assistant Director Literacy, NCHD conducted the orientation session.

The participants were briefed on the objectives, methodology and implementation mechanism of the EOTO Initiative, under which educated and literate citizens—particularly university students—are encouraged to teach at least one non-literate person, contributing directly to Pakistan’s efforts to reduce adult illiteracy.

The orientation also provided an opportunity for interactive discussion, clarification of implementation modalities, and strengthening coordination between NCHD and QAU for effective implementation of EOTO.

One Educated Person. One Learner. One Step Towards a Literate Pakistan.

18/08/2026

Skardu August 18, 2026

Three-days Capacity Building Training of NCHD Feeder Teachers, Baltistan Region successfully concluded:

The three days Capacity Building Training successfully concluded in Skardu with an impressive closing ceremony attended by senior officials from relevant line departments, educationists, representatives of academic institutions, private education networks, and the media. Mr. Ijlal Hussain, Director Operations GB, NCHD, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, officers, resource persons, master trainers, and participating teachers and expressed gratitude for their valuable presence and support for the capacity-building initiative.

The concluding ceremony was honored by Mr. Ali Asghar Chaudhry, Director General NCHD, as Guest of Honour, accompanied by Mr. Muhammad Hassan, Director Education; Mr. Liaqat Ali, Deputy Director Education; Mr. Abul Hasan, District Inspector Schools; Mr. Dildar Hussain, Regional Director, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU); Mr. Muhammad Mir, former President, Private Education Network (PEN); Professor Mir Alam, Registrar, University of Baltistan; Director Livestock; and distinguished representatives of the Media Department.

The proceedings were moderated by Mr. Hussain Bukhari, District Head Skardu, who welcomed the guests and participants and highlighted the significance of the three-day training in strengthening the professional capacity of NCHD teachers.

In his concluding address, Mr. Ali Asghar Chaudhry, Director General NCHD, appreciated the successful completion of the training and emphasized that investment in teachers is an investment in the future of the nation. He stated that teachers working at the grassroots level have a vital responsibility in shaping the learning, character, and future prospects of children, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The Director General appreciated the commitment and active participation of the teachers and acknowledged the efforts of the NCHD team, master trainers, and supporting departments for making the training successful. He encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge, teaching techniques, classroom strategies, and skills acquired during the training in their respective schools and to remain committed to improving learning outcomes. He also emphasized that such capacity-building initiatives should be translated into visible improvements in classroom practices and the overall quality of education.

The Regional Director AIOU, Mr. Dildar Hussain, appreciated NCHD's initiative for providing professional development opportunities to teachers in Baltistan and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration among educational institutions. Mr. Muhammad Hassan, Director Education, highlighted the importance of trained and motivated teachers in improving the quality of education and assured continued cooperation and support from the Education Department. Mr. Liaqat Ali, Deputy Director Education, appreciated the practical nature of the training and stressed that the newly acquired skills should be reflected in classroom teaching and student learning.

Mr. Abul Hasan, District Inspector Schools, commended NCHD for organizing the training and emphasized the importance of regular professional development, monitoring, and supportive supervision of teachers. Mr. Muhammad Mir, former President PEN, appreciated NCHD's contribution to the education sector and stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, private, and community stakeholders to address educational challenges in the region.

The three-day training covered a range of important areas including low-cost/no-cost teaching aids, development of classroom learning materials, community engagement and school improvement, parent and community participation, School Management Committees, enrollment, attendance and retention strategies, lesson planning, effective teaching strategies, FL skills improvement, reduction of learning poverty, school record keeping, student progress tracking, documentation, reporting, and school improvement action planning. The sessions were delivered through interactive methodologies, group work, discussions, practical activities, and presentations, enabling the participating teachers to develop practical skills that can be applied directly in their classrooms.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates were distributed among 52 participating teachers from Skardu and Ghanche in recognition of their successful completion of the three-day Capacity Building Training.

Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to the Master Trainers and supporting officers, including Mr. Qaiser Abbas, Ms. Haleema Batool, Mr. Liaqat Ali, Deputy Director Education, and Mr. Abul Hasan, District Inspector Schools, in recognition of their unflinching support, dedication, and valuable contribution to the cause of education.

The ceremony concluded with appreciation for all stakeholders and a shared commitment to continue collaborative efforts for strengthening the quality of education and improving learning outcomes across the Baltistan Region.

16/08/2026

Skardu August 16, 2026:

Three Days Capacity Building Training for Teachers in Baltistan Region

The Kick-Off Ceremony of the Capacity Building Training of Feeder Teachers, Baltistan Region was held with the participation of senior officials, training staff, resource persons, and feeder teachers. The Ceremony was initiated with the verses from the Holy Quran, Naat and Milli Naghma owing to the Independence of Pakistan followed by Welcome address.

The Direcotor General , National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), Mr. Ali Asghar graced the occasion as Guest of Honor, who emphasized the critical importance of continuous professional development and capacity building of teachers in improving the quality of education. In his address, the Director General stated,

"Teachers are the most important link between educational policies and their practical implementation at the grassroots level, and that effective training enables teachers to perform their responsibilities with greater confidence, competence, and commitment. He encouraged the participants to take the training seriously, actively participate in discussions and practical activities, and translate the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme into improved classroom practices".

The Director General particularly appreciated the efforts of the NCHD team and staff involved in organizing the training and acknowledged their dedication and hard work in ensuring the successful implementation of capacity-building initiatives in the Baltistan Region. He also appreciated the trainers, resource persons, and participating teachers for their contribution and expressed the hope that the training would have a positive and lasting impact on the quality of education in the region.

Director Operations, Mr. Ijlal Hussain, briefed the participants about the objectives and expected outcomes of the training. He highlighted that the programme has been designed to strengthen the professional competencies of feeder teachers through practical sessions on lesson planning, effective teaching strategies, development of low-cost/no-cost teaching aids, classroom learning materials, community engagement, school improvement, student record keeping, and strategies for improving enrollment, attendance, retention, and learning outcomes.

Mr. Hussain Bukhari, District Head Skardu, moderated the ceremony and warmly welcomed the Honorable Director General, senior officials, resource persons, trainers, and participants. He expressed appreciation for the Director General's guidance and leadership and for the efforts of the NCHD team in bringing the capacity-building initiative to the Baltistan Region. The ceremony carried on with a shared commitment to make the training meaningful, practical, and result-oriented, with the ultimate objective of improving teaching quality and learning outcomes for children across the region.

The Master Trainers for the subject training were faculty members from the University of Baltistan Professor Qaiser Abbas and Madam Haleema Batool assisted by Mr Bilal AD Gilgit, Mr. Sher Alam-FO, Mr. Muhammad Iqbal AD Skardu, Mr. Noor Ali AD Ghanche and the support staff.

10/08/2026

Islamabad, August 7, 2026: Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Balochistan, Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi, paid a visit to the Headquarters of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) today to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Commission's mandate, achievements, and ongoing efforts for promoting human development across Pakistan.

The Honourable MNA was warmly received by the Chairman, National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), who welcomed the distinguished guest and appreciated his keen interest in the Commission's mission of improving literacy, education, and human development indicators throughout the country.

During the visit, the Chairman and senior officers of NCHD presented a detailed briefing on the Commission's mandate, organizational structure, major interventions, and nationwide achievements. Special emphasis was placed on NCHD's initiatives in the Province of Balochistan, where the Commission has been actively working to improve access to education, promote literacy, establish Non-Formal Education (NFE) centres, strengthen community participation, and support the Government's vision of ensuring education for every child.

The briefing highlighted that NCHD has played a significant role in establishing and managing community-based educational institutions, implementing Adult Literacy Programmes (ALPs), enrolling out-of-school children, mobilizing communities, and collaborating with provincial governments and development partners to improve educational outcomes in underserved and remote areas.

The Honourable MNA was also briefed on the key educational and human development challenges confronting Balochistan. It was highlighted that the province continues to face a literacy rate significantly below the national average, coupled with a large population of out-of-school children requiring urgent educational interventions. The briefing further noted that the scattered population, difficult geographical terrain, and remoteness of many communities pose considerable challenges to the delivery of educational services. In addition, the province faces a shortage of qualified and trained teachers, high dropout rates—particularly among girls, and socio-economic barriers that adversely affect school enrolment, attendance, and retention. The limited availability of adult literacy, lifelong learning, and continuing education opportunities was also identified as a major constraint to improving the overall human development indicators of the province.

The Chairman emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires coordinated national efforts, sustained investments, and strong partnerships among federal and provincial governments, civil society organizations, development partners, and local communities.

During the briefing, NCHD also presented its strategic vision and future roadmap for accelerating human development and improving literacy outcomes across Pakistan. It was emphasized that the Commission is committed to strengthening the Non-Formal Education (NFE) system to provide quality learning opportunities for out-of-school children as well as illiterate youth and adults. The roadmap also envisages strengthening Community Schools and Adult Literacy Programme (ALP) Centres, particularly in federal areas, through value addition in the form of continuous teacher capacity building, digitization of educational processes, enhanced monitoring and evaluation systems, provision of quality teaching-learning materials, and improvement of educational facilities.
The Commission further highlighted its plan to establish Prison Literacy and Skill Development Centres in prisons across the country to promote literacy, vocational skills, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of inmates into society. In addition, NCHD intends to institutionalize the national "Each One Teach One" movement by engaging students, teachers, educational institutions, public servants, and community volunteers in teaching at least one illiterate person, thereby making a meaningful contribution towards improving Pakistan's literacy rate.
The briefing also underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with provincial governments, development partners, non-governmental organizations, the corporate sector, and other private stakeholders to mobilize technical expertise and financial resources for expanding human development initiatives. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders was proposed to ensure the identification, enrolment, retention, and successful completion of education for out-of-school children, with the ultimate objective of guaranteeing every child their fundamental right to quality education and advancing the national agenda for inclusive and sustainable human development.
The Honourable MNA appreciated the invaluable contributions of NCHD towards promoting literacy, non-formal education, community empowerment, and human development, particularly in marginalized and underserved regions. He acknowledged that Balochistan requires innovative, community-based, and sustainable educational interventions to overcome its unique socio-economic and geographical challenges.

He expressed his commitment to extending full parliamentary support for initiatives aimed at improving literacy, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening human development programmes in Balochistan. He also emphasized the importance of collective efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to quality education and every citizen has opportunities for lifelong learning.

The Chairman, NCHD thanked the Honourable MNA for his visit and valuable interest in the Commission's work. He reiterated NCHD's unwavering commitment to working closely with Parliament, provincial governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities to achieve the national goals of universal literacy, inclusive education, and sustainable human development across Pakistan

31/07/2026

EOTO Orientation Session for Focal Persons of Air University

The Each One Teach One (EOTO) orientation session for the focal persons of Air University was successfully held on 30 July 2026 at the H-9 Campus, Islamabad.
The session was attended by faculty members representing various departments and campuses of Air University. A total of 40 focal persons participated in the orientation, with a few joining the session online.
The event was graced by Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Farzana, Chairperson, Department of Education, Dr. Sadaf Zamir, and EOTO Coordinator, Dr. Hadeeqa Sohail.

The orientation focused on the objectives, implementation strategy, and roles and responsibilities of the focal persons to ensure the effective ex*****on of the EOTO initiative across Air University, its sub-campuses, and affiliated colleges.

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