Pakistan moves to introduce AI based personalised education

Pakistan has moved towards introducing artificial intelligence and advanced digital technology in its education system,

Islamabad: Pakistan has moved towards introducing artificial intelligence and advanced digital technology in its education system, with Daanish School Kuri in Islamabad selected as the first pilot campus for a new AI based learning programme under the Prime Minister’s vision.

The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the Daanish Schools Authority are working together to develop a system that will use artificial intelligence to provide personalised education according to each student’s needs, abilities and progress.

PDA Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir chaired a high-level meeting at the Authority’s headquarters on November 4 with officials from the Education Ministry and Daanish Schools to discuss the plan. The meeting focused on introducing an AI based curriculum and an adaptive learning system that can adjust lessons according to students’ learning needs.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Education Ministry and Daanish Schools Authority will lead the project, while PDA will provide technical support, guidance on digital systems and help coordinate the work.

Officials also discussed international examples of technology based education, including Singapore’s education system. They considered forming joint working groups to develop plans for adding AI to the curriculum, introducing new education technology and improving digital facilities in schools.

On November 10, Dr Sohail Munir led a delegation to Daanish School Kuri to review its facilities and assess whether the campus was ready for the new programme.

The delegation inspected classrooms, laboratories, digital infrastructure and technology based learning facilities. It also reviewed teacher training plans, including a proposed Training of Trainers programme, as well as ongoing activities related to artificial intelligence and robotics.

Discussions covered AI supported personalised learning, digital Learning Management Systems, smart classrooms, teacher development through technology, future skills and innovation laboratories.

One of the main points was the creation of detailed digital profiles for every student. These profiles would look beyond examination results and academic performance. They would also help schools understand each student’s interests, abilities, personal development and well being.

The aim is to help teachers understand how individual students learn and provide support according to their strengths and needs.

Dr Sohail Munir said PDA was committed to supporting the national initiative by bringing education institutions and technology experts together. He stressed that modern technology could create better learning opportunities for students from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Daanish Schools are a flagship initiative of the Prime Minister aimed at providing quality education to talented students who come from less privileged families. The new programme is expected to explore how digital technology can reduce the education gap and help these students compete with children studying in leading education systems around the world.

The delegation included PDA officials Dr Henna Karamat, Muhammad Salman Iqbal and Sara Obaid Ul Islam, along with Tabadlab Director Shahab Siddiqi, Education Ministry Deputy Secretary Shah Jehan and Daanish School Kuri Principal Asghar Awan.

The November 4 meeting was also attended by PDA Chief of Staff Sophia Hasnain and Director Curriculum Dr Tabassum.

The initiative is part of PDA’s wider role under the National Digital Master Plan, which aims to use technology and cooperation between institutions to improve different sectors.

PDA aims to help develop a model of technology based education that can later be used in other schools across Pakistan. The plan is intended to improve student learning, strengthen teachers’ skills and provide more opportunities to children across the country.