Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a major overhaul of the province’s public education system, pledging to transform government schools into modern institutions that provide equal opportunities for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Addressing a ceremony in Arifwala on Thursday, the chief minister said every child, regardless of financial status, deserves access to quality education. She stressed that education is the strongest tool for reducing inequality and creating opportunities for future success.
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted student safety, urging parents to keep children away from unsafe locations during the monsoon season. Referring to the recent collapse of an under-construction building that claimed the lives of 14 children, she expressed deep sorrow and directed authorities to ensure open manholes are covered to prevent further tragedies.
She said the Punjab government is expanding the Green Electric Bus Service to provide safe and reliable transportation for students who lack access to quality commuting facilities.
The chief minister encouraged students to take pride in attending government schools, saying the provincial government is committed to providing facilities comparable to those available in leading private institutions. She cited the overwhelming response to the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence, where thousands of students competed for limited seats, as evidence of growing public confidence in government education initiatives.
Maryam Nawaz announced that the government will distribute 100,000 laptops and award an additional 50,000 Honhaar Scholarships to deserving students. She added that Rs40 billion is being invested to upgrade public schools with new classrooms, furniture, clean drinking water, washrooms, fans and other essential facilities.
The chief minister also revealed plans to establish science, technology, mathematics, computer and IT laboratories, alongside Punjab’s first artificial intelligence labs in government schools. She encouraged students to develop skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, describing them as essential for future careers.
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She said the reforms mark the beginning of a broader education transformation, with 300 modern schools planned across Punjab.