Attock to get major education boost

Attock to get major education boost

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced a series of initiatives to improve education facilities and equip students in Attock with modern skills and technology.

Speaking at a ceremony in Attock, where he distributed certificates and laptops among high-achieving students, the minister said the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was working to build a modern education system and expand access to higher education for students from low- and middle-income families.

Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that the government would upgrade IT laboratories in 110 schools across Attock at a cost of Rs300 million. The upgraded facilities will offer training in artificial intelligence, freelancing, data analysis, robotics and other emerging fields.

He said the government would also modernise IT laboratories in Attock’s colleges. According to the minister, the number of computers available to students has improved considerably, with the government aiming to provide one computer for every 10 students.

The minister said Punjab had allocated Rs750 billion for the education sector to improve institutions and provide students with better facilities. He added that the Learn and Earn programme would help Attock students develop practical skills and pursue education alongside employment opportunities.

Rana Sikandar Hayat also announced two new university campuses in Attock, five Pink Buses for girls’ colleges and a study tour to Türkiye for students accompanied by teachers. In addition, 10 top-performing teachers from the district will be sent to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

Highlighting the government’s focus on girls’ education, the minister said more than 50,000 female students across Punjab were studying IT at the matriculation level. He also highlighted initiatives involving solar panels, rainwater conservation and improved technology facilities in schools.

The minister said the Education Department was focusing on merit, transparency and performance while taking action against corruption and bribery. He added that more than 100,000 students had benefited from the Honhaar Scholarship Programme.

The ceremony was attended by MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, MPA Malik Itibar Khan, Deputy Commissioner Attock Dr Mudassar Ahmed Shah, DPO Attock Captain (Retd.) Ali Bin Tariq, former provincial sports minister Jahangir Khanزادہ, Chairman WASA Punjab Chaudhry Sher Ali, education officials, teachers and students.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and laptops among students who achieved outstanding academic results.