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ISLAMABAD: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, while addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Beaconhouse School System and the closing ceremony of the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Conference, said that education is the heartbeat of national progress and today, that heartbeat is stronger and more vibrant than ever. He stated that what began in 1975 with only 19 students has now grown into a remarkable journey 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 and development. The Acting President paid glowing tribute to the Founder and Chairperson of Beaconhouse, Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, acknowledging her vision and extraordinary services in transforming the educational landscape of Pakistan. He remarked that she has not only revolutionized education but has also paved the way for women to take on dynamic roles in leadership, education, and social development. Highlighting the theme of this year’s SOT event, “Rethinking Education”, he noted that in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven era, this theme holds immense significance. Artificial intelligence, digital learning, and global transformations have reshaped the needs of the education sector. Education is no longer limited to employability it is about creating real and lasting change in the world. Commending Beaconhouse’s commitment to innovation, digital tools, project based learning, and the promotion of entrepreneurship from an early age, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that these contributions guarantee a brighter future for Pakistan. He appreciated initiatives such as the SparkTank Incubator, the distinction of becoming a Google Reference School, and the institution’s pioneering role in inclusive education for children with special needs. He also praised Beaconhouse National University, Concordia Colleges, Homebridge, and The Educators for providing quality learning opportunities to millions of families across the country. He added that the Mahmud Ali Kasuri Welfare Trust and the Lighthouse orphanage are powerful reminders that education is not merely about knowledge — it is about character building, equality, and social responsibility. The Acting President recognized teachers as the architects of the nation and lauded their dedicated services. He encouraged students to continue their pursuit of knowledge and to keep asking questions. He regarded the trust of parents in education as the strongest and most valuable investment in the future of Pakistan. In his address, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized that education is every child’s fundamental right. It ensures national development, democratic stability, and a secure future. Pakistan must prioritize scientific, technical, and creative learning to meet the demands of the modern world. He stressed that providing access to quality education in every corner of the country is a shared responsibility of all. He quoted the historic words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reminding that without education, a nation remains lost in darkness, whereas education guarantees light and survival. He described Beaconhouse’s Vision 2050 as a symbol of hope and progress for Pakistan, adding that when the private sector works with a spirit of service and social responsibility, it becomes a key driving force in nation-building. Concluding his address, the Acting President congratulated Beaconhouse on its Golden Jubilee and prayed that the next fifty years continue to set new benchmarks of innovation, excellence, and equity in education. Speaking at the event, Founder and Chairperson Beaconhouse Group, Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri highlighted the social aspects underlying Beaconhouse’s strategic direction and pointed out that currently 19,000 students at Beaconhouse were studying on scholarship (not including BNU and The Educators), reflecting a strong commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. She said she was particularly proud of the fact that the efforts of Beaconhouse School System had led to empowerment of women and inculcation of a sense of dignity to the profession of teaching in which housewives had been turned into professional educators. Going down the memory lane, she recollected how originally teacher trainers were brought in from the United Kingdom, and ultimately Pakistani Master Teacher Trainers were sent abroad to train teachers in Pakistan. As a result tens of thousands of women turned into entrepreneurs and professional teachers, setting a role model for other sections of society. She felt confident that in this way, the role of Beaconhouse was not just limited to the educational landscape of Pakistan but also impacted the socioeconomic development of the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
