OSLO: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said his government is determined to improve the quality of education, enhance gender equality and provide increased learning opportunities to both male and female students in Pakistan.

He made these remarks while talking to Nobel laureate Malala Yousufzai, who called on him here in the Norwegian capital.

The Prime Minister said significant steps have been taken for promotion of rights of women, children and minorities and efforts towards an inclusive society will continue.

He said the government is committed to increasing education spending to 4% of GDP. Work, he said, is underway on reconstructing about 1000 schools destroyed by the 2005 earthquake.

Regarding Malala’s bravery and steadfastness as admirable, he said this has made her a role model for millions at such a tender age and admired the personal interest taken by her in the promotion of education.

The Prime Minister said the government has made a strong resolve to eliminate terrorism which will help attain our dream of providing better education to all. The sacrifices of those who suffered at the hands of terrorists would not go in vain.

Now, he said, the terrorists are on the run, their sanctuaries and hideouts have been wiped out.

He once again congratulated Malala on being the recipient of the Nobel Peace Price in 2014 and regarded her the pride of Pakistan.

Malala appreciated the steps taken by the government in improving the state of education in the country.

She said education is the key to eliminating terrorism and the mindset behind this in addition to creating increased employment opportunities for the people.

She said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would go a long way in bringing prosperity to people living in all parts of Pakistan, providing them better access to education and health facilities.

She said she has a dream of serving her Pakistan and do something for the underprivileged children of the country.

Advisor to PM, Mr. Sartaj Aziz; Special Assistant to PM, Mr. Tariq Fatemi and MoS for Education, Mr. Baligh ur Rahman were also present in the meeting.