PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired a high-level meeting of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department to review progress on modern education reforms, including the establishment of virtual schools and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-based teaching systems across the province.
Officials briefed the meeting on a major initiative to establish Pakistan’s first public sector virtual school and launch an AI Teacher programme aimed at transforming the education sector through modern technology.
The chief minister granted in-principle approval for the establishment of an AI Education Authority and directed relevant authorities to complete the necessary groundwork for its operationalization. He also instructed that overseas students and out-of-school children enrolled through the virtual school system be given the status of regular students to promote inclusivity and wider access to education.
Speaking on the occasion, Afridi said the introduction of virtual schools and AI-based teaching systems is an urgent requirement of the modern era and will prove to be a game changer, particularly for students in remote and underserved areas.
He noted that AI-driven technologies will enable personalized learning, reduce teachers’ workload, and improve the overall quality of classroom instruction.
The meeting was informed that online learning systems have been introduced on a pilot basis in 46 government schools, including 33 in settled districts and 13 in merged districts.
Participants were further told that a formal expansion plan will be launched under the upcoming Annual Development Programme in June, under which 175 more schools will be converted into virtual schools in the next phase.
Officials said a central digital teaching studio has been established to deliver live interactive classes and record lectures. The AI Teacher system is currently providing instruction in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and is available 24 hours a day in Urdu, English, and Pashto.
According to the briefing, the total approved cost of the project is Rs153.80 million, including Rs44.85 million allocated for the establishment of a Tele Education Centre.
The chief minister directed authorities to expedite implementation to ensure timely provision of modern and quality educational facilities across the province.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Principal Secretary Amer Sultan Tareen, Secretary Education Muhammad Khalid, and Managing Director ESEF Qaiser Alam, attended the meeting.
