DLP Report
PESHAWAR
To address the growing shortage of teachers in government-run schools, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will soon recruit 17,000 new teachers through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) on a merit basis.
This was announced by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Elementary and Secondary Education Muhammad Asim Khan during a meeting held to review progress on the Education Good Governance Roadmap, a handout said.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Education Muhammad Khalid, Special Secretary Abdul Basit, and other senior officials of the department.
He added that the recruitment process is part of a larger reform plan currently being implemented across the province under the vision of Party Leader Imran Khan and the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. Alongside the recruitment drive, the Education Department is also engaging 2,500 interns and conducting additional hiring with the support of UNICEF.
During the meeting, Muhammad Asim Khan highlighted several initiatives under the roadmap. He said that the government aims to ensure the complete provision of furniture, whiteboards, and other essential facilities in all government schools.
In addition, two schools in each district will be developed as Centres of Excellence to serve as model institutions for quality education.
To tackle the issue of overcrowded classrooms, over 10,000 additional classrooms will be constructed across the province.
Mr Asim said that the activation of Parents Teachers Councils (PTCs) was also a key part of the plan, with reappointment and training of council members whose tenures have expired.
“These councils will help improve the delivery of essential services at the school level,” he added and emphasized the need to promote co-curricular activities.
He directed the relevant authorities to organize inter-district sports tournaments from October 20, ensuring that players receive the best possible facilities.
The Special Assistant ordered the establishment of computer labs and the provision of internet connectivity in all high and higher secondary schools. He also asked for a detailed report on non-functional IT labs and the shortage of IT teachers in various districts.
The forum also discussed the upcoming “Taleem Card” program. Under this initiative, students will receive scholarships, free textbooks, and other educational support to ensure no child is left behind.
Mr. Khan instructed officials to accelerate the implementation process and seek early approval for the card from the relevant authorities.
He further announced that STEM Education Labs will be established in around 3,500 middle schools across the province to equip students with modern scientific skills. To ensure transparency in examinations, all educational boards have been instructed to install CCTV cameras in exam halls and deploy inspectors to maintain merit and prevent cheating.
