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By Malik Shahzad Aslam :
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a province-wide programme to distribute 100,000 free electric bikes to students, describing the initiative as part of a broader effort to improve access to education and modernise public schools.
The announcement was made during a ceremony in Arifwala, where the chief minister said the electric bikes would help students who face difficulties travelling to educational institutions. She said the scheme aims to provide safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transport, particularly for students from low-income families.
Maryam Nawaz also said the provincial government was expanding its green transport programme by increasing the number of electric buses for students. She added that improving transport facilities would help remove one of the key barriers preventing many children from attending school regularly.
Speaking at the event, the chief minister said the Punjab government was responsible for serving around 130 million people, making education and student welfare among its highest priorities. She said improving access to schools through transport initiatives was an important step towards ensuring every child has the opportunity to continue their education.
The electric bike programme was announced alongside several other education initiatives. Maryam Nawaz said the government would distribute 100,000 laptops to students and award 50,000 merit-based scholarships to support higher education across the province.
She also revealed that the government is investing Rs40 billion to improve infrastructure in public schools. The funding will be used to construct additional classrooms, provide new furniture, upgrade washroom facilities, install fans and ensure access to clean drinking water.
The chief minister said the reforms extend beyond infrastructure, with new science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), computer and information technology laboratories planned for public schools. She also announced that artificial intelligence laboratories would be introduced for the first time in Punjab’s government schools, giving students exposure to emerging technologies.
According to Maryam Nawaz, these initiatives are intended to ensure that students in public schools receive educational opportunities comparable to those available in more developed countries. She encouraged students to take pride in studying at government institutions, saying the administration was committed to raising public education standards to match those of leading private schools.
Education experts have increasingly highlighted the importance of integrating digital skills and AI education into school curricula as countries prepare students for technology-driven economies. Punjab’s latest initiatives reflect a growing focus on equipping young people with skills needed for future careers.
Maryam Nawaz said the education reforms form part of a wider transformation of Punjab’s school system. She announced that 300 modern public schools would be established across the province, alongside the development of Nawaz Sharif Schools in every tehsil.
The provincial government says the combined investment in transport, infrastructure and technology aims to reduce inequalities in education and improve learning opportunities for students throughout Punjab. If implemented as planned, the initiatives would represent one of the province’s largest education investment programmes in recent years.
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