Sheharyar Afridi stresses need for modern educational institutions

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Sheharyar Khan Afridi on Sunday stressed the need for modern educational institutions to inculcate latest knowledge and technology to empower Muslim world.

Sheharyar Afridi said this during a meeting with President International Islamic University Islamabad Dr. Ahmed Yousif Ahmed Al Draiweesh in Islamabad.

Issues of bilateral interest, education, betterment of Muslim world, Saudi-Pak ties and other issues were came under discussion during the meeting.

Sheharyar Afridi said Pakistan gives great importance to its ties with Saudi Arabia.

Whereas Dr Al-Draiweesh highlighted the importance of International Islamic University and its role in disseminating peace and discouraging extremism.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Muslim population touches the figures of approximately 1.3 billion, which is one-fifth of the world population. But, unfortunately, poverty and illiteracy are the major issues of the Muslim world.

The total GDP of 57 OIC countries is $1,200 billion, while France alone has a GDP of $1,500. There is no Muslim country that can be compared with any European country in terms of economic growth, education and technological advancement.

Similarly, the modern scientific education in Muslim countries is alarmingly low. The Muslim world has about 550 universities, while only in Japan there are nearly 1,000 universities.