Sindh Chief Minister Outlines Education Vision at Beaconhouse Golden Jubilee Celebration
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah articulated his government's key education priorities during a speech at the golden jubilee celebration of Beaconhouse, held at its PECHS Campus in Karachi. The event marked 50 years of the institution's service in education, with the chief minister underscoring the urgent need to expand access, improve teacher quality, and reintegrate out-of-school children into the formal education system.
Beaconhouse's Remarkable Journey from Humble Beginnings
In his address, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah lauded Beaconhouse's evolution from a small Montessori school established in 1975 with just 19 children to one of the world's largest private education networks. Today, the institution educates over 400,000 students across Pakistan and internationally, reflecting a significant contribution to the educational landscape. He began his speech by offering a prayer for the martyrs of the Gul Plaza incident, expressing solidarity with affected families before paying tribute to Beaconhouse's visionary leadership.
Private Sector Partnerships and Inclusive Education Framework
The chief minister highlighted that private sector initiatives, such as those led by Beaconhouse, play a complementary role to public efforts in building an accountable and inclusive education framework. He noted that the network's expansion, particularly following post-nationalisation policy shifts, has been instrumental in widening access to quality schooling beyond the elite and missionary institutions that previously dominated. This has helped make structured and affordable education available to lower-income families through initiatives like The Educators.
Recognition of Leadership and National Impact
Murad Ali Shah paid special tribute to Beaconhouse Chairperson Mrs Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, acknowledging her pioneering role in setting high standards for teaching and learning nationwide. He described Beaconhouse as one of Pakistan's largest female employers in the education sector, with over 18,000 staff members, predominantly women, serving as teachers, school leaders, and education entrepreneurs. The institution's presence across all provinces and Azad Jammu & Kashmir has strengthened national cohesion through standardised curricula and educational outreach.
International Recognition and Sindh's Education Priorities
Internationally, the chief minister remarked that Beaconhouse has emerged as an effective ambassador of Pakistan's soft image, earning respect at global education forums. Emphasising Sindh's education priorities, he reiterated the focus on expanding access, enhancing teacher quality, and bringing out-of-school children back into the system. The event also featured the unveiling of a plaque to inaugurate Mrs Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri's book, "Once Upon a Time – Aik Dafa Ka Zikr Hai," with former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and other dignitaries in attendance.
Conclusion and Commemorative Efforts
The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the Beaconhouse community for five decades of educational excellence, recognising the institution as a symbol of sustained leadership and public service. Attention was drawn to a forthcoming commemorative book marking the golden jubilee, described as a valuable chronicle that preserves regional history, values, and shared narratives beyond the classroom. The event was attended by Beaconhouse leadership, members of the Sindh government, senior educationists, teachers, and distinguished guests, highlighting the collaborative spirit in advancing education in Pakistan.
