STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Elementary and Secondary Education, Muhammad Asim Khan, has said that under the vision of Party Leader Imran Khan and in line with the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the Education Department is successfully implementing the Good Governance Roadmap to achieve key reform objectives. He stated that under this plan, 100% provision of furniture, whiteboards, and other essential facilities will be ensured in all schools across the province. Moreover, two schools in each district will be developed as Centres of Excellence, while over 10,000 additional classrooms will be constructed to overcome the shortage of learning spaces. Mr. Khan emphasized the activation of Parents Teachers Councils (PTCs) across the province, including the reappointment and training of members whose tenure has expired. Through these PTCs, schools will be provided with essential facilities. Highlighting the importance of co-curricular activities, he directed officials to organize inter-district tournaments from October 20 and to ensure the best possible facilities for players, so that talented students can represent the province at national and international levels. The Special Assistant further directed the establishment of computer labs and provision of internet connectivity in all high and higher secondary schools. He also sought a comprehensive report on non-functional IT labs and the shortage of IT teachers in various districts, stressing that IT and digitization are essential needs of the modern era and will receive special attention. Presiding over the meeting on the Education Good Governance Roadmap, he was accompanied by Secretary Education Muhammad Khalid, Special Secretary Abdul Basit, and other senior officials of the department. Muhammad Asim Khan announced that revolutionary measures will be introduced to bring out-of-school children into the education system. A comprehensive plan has been formulated, and special campaigns will soon be launched across the province. He revealed that a “Taleem Card” (Education Card) will be issued to ensure all children receive educational facilities. Under this initiative, students will be provided scholarships, free textbooks, and other educational support. He instructed education authorities to accelerate progress according to the set timelines and to seek expedited approval for the Education Card from the relevant forums. Mr. Khan further stated that STEM Education Labs will be established in around 3,500 middle schools across the province. He also directed all education boards to ensure complete CCTV monitoring of upcoming examinations and to deploy inspectors in all examination halls to maintain merit and transparency. The Special Assistant concluded that to overcome the shortage of teachers, 17,000 new teachers will soon be recruited through ETEA on merit, while UNICEF-supported hiring and the engagement of 2,500 interns in the Education Department are also underway.
