Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stressed on improving literacy rate to compete in the era of digital revolution.

He was speaking on the groundbreaking ceremony of Centre of Excellence in Early Childhood Education at Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad today.

The Minister underscored the urgent need to invest in human resource development for real progress, recalling the historical achievements of Muslims in science and research.

Terming the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Development a great achievement, Ahsan Iqbal noted its importance as international research showed early years are crucial for children's development.

He emphasized on promoting critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills right from the early years.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Chairman Rupani Foundation Nasruddin Rupani, UNICEF Representative Joshua Kakaire, Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University, Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Chairman Department of Early Childhood Education Dr. Muhammad Athar Hussain and senior officials from relevant stakeholder organizations.