Business Recorder
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi has granted approval in principle to the establishment of an AI Education Authority and directed the relevant authorities to complete the necessary homework for its operationalization. He granted this approval during an important meeting of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department here on Tuesday to review progress on modern educational reforms, establishment of virtual schools, and the introduction of artificial intelligence-based teaching systems across the province. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amer Sultan Tareen, Secretary Elementary and Secondary Education Muhammad Khalid, Managing Director Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation (ESEF) Qaiser Alam and other senior officials attended the meeting. During the meeting, participants were briefed on the Government’s landmark initiative to establish Pakistan’s first public sector virtual school and launch an AI Teacher program as part of a transformative strategy to modernize the education sector. The Chief Minister instructed that overseas students and out of school children receiving education through the virtual school system be accorded the status of regular students in order to maximize educational outreach and inclusivity. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the introduction of virtual schools and AI Teacher systems is an urgent necessity in the present era and will prove to be a game changer, particularly for students residing in remote and underserved areas. He remarked that artificial intelligence driven educational technologies will create personalized learning opportunities for students, while AI based instructional support will reduce teachers’ workload and further improve the quality of classroom instruction. He appreciated the Elementary and Secondary Education Department and the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation for undertaking reforms aligned with contemporary educational requirements and emerging global trends. The meeting was informed that, on a pilot basis, online learning systems have been introduced in 46 government schools across the province, including 33 schools in settled districts and 13 schools in merged districts. Participants were further informed that a dedicated scheme for expansion of virtual schools will be formally launched under the upcoming Annual Development Program in June, under which an additional 175 schools will be converted into virtual schools during the next phase. According to the briefing, a central digital teaching studio has been established under the project, equipped to deliver live interactive classes and lecture recording facilities. The meeting was informed that through the AI Teacher system, instruction is currently being delivered in subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while the platform will remain available 24 hours a day in Urdu, English, and Pashto. Officials further stated that the project carries a total approved cost of Rs. 153.80 million, while Rs. 44.850 million has been allocated specifically for the establishment of the Tele Education Centre. The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to further expedite implementation of the initiative to ensure timely provision of modern and quality educational facilities to students across the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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