The Punjab government, under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, has announced an ambitious and wide-ranging package of education reforms in collaboration with Google, marking one of the most significant efforts to modernize the province’s academic landscape. The decisions were finalized during a high-level meeting in Lahore, focusing on equipping students with future-ready digital skills while strengthening institutional capacity.
At the center of the initiative is a landmark program offering free Google certification courses to more than 100,000 students across Punjab. These certifications, covering high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence, typically cost between $400 and $1,000. By removing financial barriers, the government aims to open pathways for students to enter the global digital economy. The courses are designed to run between three to six months, providing intensive, industry-relevant training.
To complement this digital push, the government has approved the establishment of modern IT laboratories in 166 government colleges. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, a new performance evaluation framework will introduce key performance indicators for principals, teachers, institutions, and vice chancellors of public universities. The move is intended to enhance accountability and ensure measurable improvements in academic standards.
The Honhaar Scholarship Program has also been significantly expanded, with authorities approving scholarships for 62,949 students simultaneously for the first time. Officials have been directed to ensure that all eligible candidates are included, with disbursements planned in phases. In another major academic development, 36 commerce colleges across 29 districts will be affiliated with 19 public universities, enabling the launch of 14 BS degree programs in disciplines such as business, finance, IT, and e-commerce.
Student welfare measures were also a key focus of the reforms. The government has approved the introduction of electric bus services to improve transportation for students, particularly in underserved areas. Meanwhile, the second phase of the laptop scheme will expand eligibility to include special needs and minority students on an open merit basis. The first phase benefited more than 38,000 students, while over 142,000 applications have already been submitted for the upcoming round.
Officials highlighted encouraging academic performance trends, noting that nearly 994,000 students appeared in Grade 8 assessments. Female students outperformed their male counterparts with a 92 percent pass rate compared to 84 percent, securing the top three positions overall. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to sustain and build on this progress.
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In concluding directives, Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to take immediate steps to improve educational institutions in Sargodha and other districts, underscoring the government’s commitment to continuous monitoring and reform. The comprehensive package signals a strategic shift toward a more technology-driven and inclusive education system in Punjab.
