Punjab plans major school reform, student support drive

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an ambitious education reform programme, saying the

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an ambitious education reform programme, saying the provincial government will establish Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence in every tehsil to provide modern and high-quality education to students across Punjab.

Addressing a ceremony in Arifwala, the chief minister said the government is committed to transforming public education by upgrading government schools and ensuring that children from both low-income and affluent families receive equal educational opportunities. She said every child deserves access to quality education regardless of financial background.

Maryam announced that the provincial government will distribute 100,000 free electric bikes to students to improve access to educational institutions. She also revealed plans to provide 100,000 laptops to deserving students and award 50,000 merit-based scholarships to encourage academic excellence and reduce financial barriers to higher education.

She said the government has allocated Rs40 billion to improve infrastructure in government schools throughout Punjab. The funds will be used to construct new classrooms, provide furniture, install clean drinking water facilities, upgrade washrooms, improve electricity and ventilation, and ensure schools have the basic facilities needed for a better learning environment.

The chief minister said public schools are also being equipped with modern science, mathematics, computer and information technology laboratories. She added that artificial intelligence laboratories are being introduced for the first time in government schools, allowing students to gain practical experience with advanced technologies.

Maryam encouraged students to focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, saying these subjects will shape the future job market. She stressed that students must develop digital and technical skills to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world.

She said the provincial government also plans to establish 300 modern schools across Punjab as part of its long-term strategy to improve educational standards. According to the chief minister, admissions to the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence have attracted overwhelming interest, with thousands of applicants competing for a limited number of seats, reflecting growing public confidence in the initiative.

Highlighting student safety, Maryam urged parents to remain vigilant during the ongoing monsoon season and avoid sending children to unsafe locations. She expressed deep sorrow over the recent deaths of children in a roof collapse incident, saying such tragedies underline the importance of ensuring children’s safety at all times.

The chief minister also announced the continued expansion of green electric bus services to provide students with safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation, particularly in areas where reliable transport is limited.