Punjab leads the way: AI now mandatory in schools

WEB DESK: Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to make the use of artificial intelligence (AI) mandatory in schools, as part of a groundbreaking initiative to modernize education and governance. The announcement was made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the launch of the official workshop “Empowering Punjab with AI”, which was attended by provincial ministers and members of the cabinet.

The initiative also includes the establishment of the Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board in Punjab, aimed at providing strategic guidance on AI integration across education, policy-making, and administrative reforms. During the workshop, cabinet members received a briefing on the effective use of AI tools, including Google for Education platforms, in operational policy-making, departmental reforms, and other administrative functions.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised that digital technology has the potential to transform the way people think and work. She highlighted the importance of AI support in policy-making and reforms, noting that responsible use of AI tools can bring positive change across the province.

As part of the program, over 3,000 teachers in Punjab received master-level training on AI tools through the Google for Education platform. The School Education Department has established AI IDs for more than 300,000 students, while the Punjab Education Foundation has trained 200,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Additionally, scholarships for 1,000 students from 10 organizations have been announced to promote digital journalism.

The Google team visiting Punjab also praised Lahore, describing it as a city where history and culture come together, commending the provincial government for its efforts in education and digital innovation.

With this initiative, Punjab is positioning itself as a pioneer in AI-enabled education in Pakistan, combining technological innovation with large-scale teacher and student training to prepare the next generation for a digital future.