Punjab enters ‘new digital era’: CM leads AI training for provincial ministers

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif led the province’s first ever artificial intelligence (AI) training session for provincial ministers, marking what she described as the beginning of a new digital era in Punjab.

The chief minister, along with members of the provincial cabinet, participated in an official workshop titled “Empowering Punjab with AI”, where experts from Google for Education briefed participants on the practical use of AI tools in governance and policymaking.

During the session, the chief minister declared the use of AI mandatory in Punjab’s schools and approved the establishment of a Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board in the province.

Addressing the workshop, Ms Sharif said digital technology had the potential to transform thinking and working methods, adding that AI support had become indispensable for reforms and effective policymaking. She emphasised the responsible use of AI tools to bring positive and sustainable change.

The training included briefings on the use of AI in governance, policy frameworks, operational policymaking, sectoral reforms, and policy summary analysis. Cabinet members were also introduced to the effective use of Google tools, including Gemini, for official work.

The meeting was informed that under Google for Education’s Tech Valley initiative, a master training programme for 3,000 teachers would be launched in Punjab. It was further shared that more than 300,000 student IDs would be established in the School Education Department, while 200,000 students and 2,000 teachers affiliated with the Punjab Education Foundation would also receive training.

In addition, 1,000 scholarships will be provided to 10 organisations to promote digital journalism in the province.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026