DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has termed the introduction of virtual schools and artificial intelligence (AI)-based teaching systems as an “urgent necessity,” saying the initiatives would prove to be a game changer in expanding access to quality education, particularly for students in remote and underserved areas.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, the chief minister reviewed progress on ongoing reforms, including the establishment of virtual schools and the rollout of AI-based teaching systems across the province, said an official statement.
Senior officials, including the chief secretary, principal secretary to the chief minister, secretary of elementary and secondary education, and managing director of the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation, attended the meeting.
Officials briefed the meeting on a landmark initiative to establish the country’s first public sector virtual school alongside the launch of an AI Teacher programme, aimed at modernising the education sector. The chief minister granted in-principle approval for the creation of an AI Education Authority and directed authorities to complete groundwork for its operationalisation.
According to the statement CM KP instructed that overseas students and out-of-school children enrolled through the virtual school system be granted the status of regular students to maximise outreach.
The chief minister observed that AI-driven technologies would enable personalised learning while reducing teachers’ workload and improving classroom instruction. He appreciated the efforts of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department and its foundation for aligning reforms with global trends.
The meeting was informed that, on a pilot basis, online learning systems have been introduced in 46 government schools, including 33 in settled districts and 13 in merged districts. Under the upcoming Annual Development Programme in June, an additional 175 schools will be converted into virtual schools.
Officials said a central digital teaching studio has been established to facilitate live interactive classes and lecture recordings.
The total approved cost of the project stands at Rs153.80 million, including Rs44.85 million allocated for a Tele Education Centre.
The chief minister directed authorities to expedite implementation to ensure timely provision of modern educational facilities across the province.
