PESHAWAR: KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses in public sector schools across the province starting from grade six.
He directed the Elementary and Secondary Education Department to take immediate steps and ensure the provision of necessary resources on an emergency basis to implement this initiative.
Presiding over a meeting of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Peshawar, the chief minister stated that artificial intelligence has become a central component of modern economies, education, healthcare, and governance systems, emphasizing that imparting AI education to the province’s children and youth would prepare them to meet future challenges with confidence and competence.
Muhammad Sohail Afridi noted that AI learning would foster
creativity and equip students with globally competitive skills.
During the meeting, the chief minister also directed the creation of new teaching positions to address the shortage of teachers in the merged districts. He reaffirmed that the provincial government is fully committed to utilizing all available resources to strengthen the education sector.
To ensure accountability and improved outcomes, the chief minister instructed the Education minister and senior officials of the department to conduct surprise visits to government schools to review attendance and performance.
Negligent officials would face strict action, including removal from their posts, he warned.
Furthermore, the chief minister directed that the printing and publication of textbooks for government schools be carried out only through the official government printing press, ordering an inquiry into the tendering process related to printing and stationery procurement conducted by subordinate institutions, including educational boards.
Muhammad Sohail Afridi instructed the Education Department to provide comprehensive data on the Girls Guide Fund and Scouts Fund and to devise a mechanism for streamlining their management. He further ordered the digitization of all administrative affairs concerning teachers, including postings, transfers, leave encashment, and promotions.
The chief minister directed that student scholarship disbursements be integrated into the digital system for greater transparency and efficiency.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the administrative structure, development projects, overall budget, and functions of the department and its subordinate institutions.
It was informed that the current fiscal year’s budget for the Elementary and Secondary Education Department has been increased by 11 percent compared to the previous year.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Arshad Ayub, Secretary Elementary and Secondary Education, Muhammad Khalid, and other senior officials of the department.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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