KARACHI: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi attended the 4th ECCE International Summit 2026 as Chief Guest, stressing the need to strengthen early childhood care and education for Pakistan’s future.

The summit focused on the theme “Reimagining Early Childhood Care and Education,” which the governor described as an important priority in today’s changing environment.

The Institute of Early Childhood Education and Development (IECED), which promotes early childhood care and education in Pakistan, is organising the fourth edition of the international summit in 2026.

Investment in Early Education

Addressing the summit, Governor Nehal Hashmi said investment in early childhood education was an investment in Pakistan’s future.

He said the foundation of a strong and developed Pakistan depends on providing children with quality education, effective upbringing and strong character development.

The governor stressed that early education should go beyond classroom learning. He said children also need a safe, caring and creative environment that supports their overall development.

Teachers and Character Building

Nehal Hashmi emphasised the importance of combining education with proper character building. He said society must promote values such as civility, tolerance and respect.

He also described teachers as the people who lay the foundation for the nation’s future. He called for talented and capable individuals to join the education and training sector.

The governor further criticised absenteeism and corruption in the education system, saying that “ghost employees” deprive children of educational opportunities and should have no place in the system.

Equal Opportunities for Every Child

The Sindh governor said every child should receive equal educational opportunities regardless of their social or economic background.

He also highlighted the growing role of technology in modern education but stressed that digital tools cannot replace the human relationship between teachers, parents and children.

According to the governor, modern education should therefore be accompanied by character building and personal development.

The 4th ECCE International Summit brings together educators, researchers and other stakeholders to discuss ways of reshaping early childhood care and education and improving outcomes for young children.