LAHORE: Acting Governor of Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan announced that artificial intelligence and digital education would be integrated into the curriculum of primary schools in Punjab between 2025 and 2030. The statement was made during the Hunarmand Punjab Scholarship ceremony at Punjab University Al Raazi Hall, where he addressed an audience that included Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, faculty members, and students.
According to University of the Punjab, the Acting Governor highlighted the importance of equipping the younger generation with modern skills, noting that his own generation faced challenges due to a lack of digital literacy. He commended the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for tripling the education budget and emphasized the need for initiatives like Hunarmand Punjab and e-Rozgar to align with current technological demands. Khan pointed out the disparity in spending between public and private schools, advocating for greater focus on public education.
Education Minister Hayat also underscored the government's commitment to youth education and welfare, revealing plans to enhance digital skills for 500,000 children over the next two years and to establish 4,000 AI labs in high schools. He mentioned that collaboration with Google has already enabled numerous students to complete digital courses. PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali reiterated the university’s role in supporting Digital Punjab and cyber security, noting that thousands of students from other provinces benefit from free education at the institution. The ceremony concluded with a student, Nimra Chaudhry, winning an e-bike through a lucky draw.