Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani delivered a powerful message on Tuesday, declaring education as ‘the heartbeat of national progress’ and urging a fundamental rethinking of learning to secure Pakistan’s future in an age of rapid technological advancement.
Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations for the Beaconhouse School System, Gilani emphasized that this crucial national pulse is now ‘stronger and more vibrant than ever,’ speaking at the closing ceremony of the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Conference.
The Acting President commemorated the institution’s journey from a modest start with 19 students in 1975 to its current status as a vast educational network spanning six countries and serving nearly 397,000 students. ‘This is not just the success story of one institution but a shining chapter in the history of Pakistan’s educational advancement,’ he remarked.
In a tribute to the Founder and Chairperson of Beaconhouse, Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, Gilani lauded her visionary leadership and significant services in transforming Pakistan’s educational landscape. He noted her work has not only revolutionized learning but also empowered women in leadership and social development roles.
Highlighting the SOT Conference’s theme, ‘Rethinking Education,’ the Acting President stressed its immense importance amid artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and global shifts. ‘Education today is not just about employability – it is about creating real and lasting change in the world,’ he observed.
Gilani commended Beaconhouse for its forward-thinking initiatives, including the integration of digital learning tools, project-based education, and early entrepreneurship training. He pointed to projects like the SparkTank Incubator and the system’s status as a Google Reference School as milestones promising a more progressive future for Pakistan.
The Acting President also applauded affiliated bodies such as Beaconhouse National University, Concordia Colleges, Homebridge, and The Educators for their role in expanding access to quality education.
The organization’s commitment to social welfare, demonstrated through the Mahmud Ali Kasuri Welfare Trust and the Lighthouse orphanage, was praised as a ‘powerful reminder that education is not merely about knowledge – it is about character building, equality, and social responsibility.’
Recognizing teachers as ‘the architects of the nation,’ Gilani expressed gratitude for their dedication. He reaffirmed that education is a fundamental right for every child, crucial for democratic stability and national development. Quoting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he reiterated that a nation without education ‘remains lost in darkness.’
Concluding his address, the Acting President congratulated the educational network on its 50-year milestone, expressing his hope that its next five decades would continue to establish new benchmarks for innovation, excellence, and equity in education.