**Sindh Awards Teaching Licenses to 646 Educators, Emphasizes Professionalism and Quality in Education**
The Sindh government has taken a significant step toward improving education quality by awarding teaching licenses to 646 successful candidates, a move hailed as the beginning of a new era in educational professionalism. At a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the vital role of teachers in shaping future generations and outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing teaching standards and accountability.
During the event, attended by key government officials, diplomats, educationists, and civil society members, Chief Minister Shah presented teaching licenses to candidates who passed the stringent assessments developed by the Education Department. Only 646 of the 4,000 candidates passed, reflecting a competitive 16 per cent success rate. Among those licensed are 297 Junior Elementary School Teachers (JEST) and 195 preservice educators.
In his address, Shah drew parallels between the respect he holds for his parents and his teachers, crediting the latter with equipping him to succeed in life. He called on teachers to earn similar respect by imparting quality education, and urged society to honor educators for their contributions. “Quality education begins with quality teachers,” he stated, underlining education as the province’s top budgetary priority—though he noted that further increases in resources are necessary for meaningful reform.
Shah recalled the genesis of the teaching license initiative three years prior, championed by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, naming it a crucial measure to ensure competency and accountability within the teaching workforce. The Chief Minister acknowledged both the successes and the ongoing challenges in Sindh’s education sector, citing millions of out-of-school children and a long-term decline in student outcomes. He stressed the need to guarantee both access and quality for all students, committed to fair hiring practices, and signaled plans to eventually extend licensing to private schools and early childhood education settings.
Education Minister Sardar Shah also addressed the ceremony, describing the implementation of licenses as a personal dream realized after years of planning. He clarified misconceptions about the licensing system, emphasizing that only qualified and trained teachers would be appointed moving forward. “Teaching should not be seen merely as a job, but as a service and a responsibility,” the minister asserted, noting that effective change is contingent on robust teacher training and professional standards.
Other speakers, including Secretary Education Zahid Abbasi, Dr. Sajid Ali of Aga Khan University, Shahzad Raoi of Zindagi Trust, and STEDA Executive Director Rasool Bux Shah, echoed the need for improved teacher professionalism and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Concluding the ceremony, Chief Minister Shah celebrated the milestone as a proud moment for Sindh, urging all participants to see this policy as the foundation for lasting transformation in the teaching profession. Both Shahs expressed optimism that licensed and qualified teachers will inspire future generations and contribute substantially to the province’s development.
