Maryam unveils plan to modernise govt schools with smart classrooms, digital labs

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a major education reform plan to equip government schools across the province with smart classrooms and digital labs, aiming to integrate modern technology into traditional learning and enhance the quality of education.

Speaking on Digital Learning Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that in today’s world, technological advancement and education go hand-in-hand. “Development is now linked to technology and the youth of Punjab must be equipped with the skills required to meet the demands of the modern world,” she said.

The CM highlighted the government’s efforts to create opportunities for students to align with international market demands, specifically through the introduction of advanced IT training programmes. As part of these efforts, Punjab is providing students with access to international standard IT courses including artificial intelligence (AI) software development and freelancing.

Maryam pointed out that the initiatives would allow young people to gain certification in IT courses that meet the needs of the global job market. Additionally, the CM announced the creation of Pakistan’s first Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore. The city will feature state-of-the-art facilities with the completion of the twin towers expected later this year. The IT city will also house a plug-and-play call centre hub offering both educational opportunities and employment in the IT sector. Notably international IT universities have expressed interest in establishing campuses at the IT City, further strengthening the region’s digital education infrastructure.

Maryam highlighted that the ongoing digitalisation efforts would empower youth offering them autonomy growth and success in the global economy. This initiative aims to transform Punjab into a hub of innovation and IT driven economic development, she added.

Meanwhile, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz took serious notice of an incident in Shahdara area, where a young girl sustained injuries after a kite string became entangled around her neck. Expressing strong displeasure, she sought a detailed report from CCPO Lahore and directed the authorities concerned to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured girl.

Later on, CM Maryam Nawaz left for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Her father Nawaz Sharif bade her farewell and prayed for her well-being. She reached Saudi Arabia along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Hanif Khalid adds from Islamabad: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) President Mian Nawaz Sharif would also spend the last 10 days of Ramazan in Saudi Arabia, performing Umrah, visiting the shrine of Holy Prophet (PBUH), and offering Nawafil prayers, as per his tradition. He will be accompanied by his close family members during his journey.

His younger brother PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar are already in Saudi Arabia on a visit from March 19 to March 22.

PM Shehbaz Sharif is likely to have an important meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.