Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday underscored that providing quality education is a shared national responsibility, declaring it a fundamental right for every child and essential for Pakistan”s development, democratic stability, and secure future. He stressed that the nation must prioritize scientific, technical, and creative learning to meet the demands of the modern world.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee of the Beaconhouse School System and the closing of the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Conference, Gilani described education as the “heartbeat of national progress.” He characterized the institution”s growth from 19 students in 1975 to nearly 397,000 across six countries as a significant chapter in Pakistan”s educational advancement.
The Acting President paid glowing tribute to Beaconhouse Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, for her vision and transformative services. He remarked that she has not only revolutionized education but has also created pathways for women to assume dynamic leadership roles in education and social development.
Highlighting the SOT conference”s theme, ‘Rethinking Education,’ Gilani noted its immense significance in a fast-paced, technology-driven era. He stated that artificial intelligence, digital learning, and global transformations have reshaped the sector”s needs, shifting the purpose of education from mere employability to creating lasting global change.
Gilani commended the school system”s commitment to innovation through digital tools, project-based learning, and promoting early-age entrepreneurship, which he said guarantees a brighter future for the nation. He specifically appreciated initiatives like the SparkTank Incubator, its distinction as a Google Reference School, and its pioneering work in inclusive education for children with special needs.
He also praised its network, including Beaconhouse National University, Concordia Colleges, Homebridge, and The Educators, for providing learning opportunities to millions. The Mahmud Ali Kasuri Welfare Trust and the Lighthouse orphanage were cited as powerful reminders that education encompasses character, equality, and social responsibility.
Recognizing educators as the “architects of the nation,” the Acting President lauded their dedicated services. He encouraged students to remain inquisitive in their pursuit of knowledge and acknowledged parental trust in education as a valuable investment in Pakistan”s future.
Quoting the nation”s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Gilani reminded the audience that without education, a nation is lost in darkness, while with it, light and survival are guaranteed.
He described the institution”s Vision 2050 as a symbol of hope, adding that the private sector becomes a key driving force in nation-building when it operates with a spirit of service and social responsibility.
Concluding his address, the Acting President congratulated Beaconhouse on its 50-year milestone and expressed his hope that its next fifty years would continue to set new benchmarks for innovation, excellence, and equity.