Staff Report

PESHAWAR: Blue Veins, the Pakistan Education Champions Network (PECN), and the Rise and Shine Girls Education Leadership Network jointly welcome and appreciate the launch of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Good Governance Roadmap, which focuses on transforming the education sector. The reforms, unveiled by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and overseen by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Education Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai in the roadmap, signal a renewed political commitment to education equity, especially for marginalized girls and underprivileged communities.

The Chief Secretary, while presenting the education pillar of the roadmap, announced that the government is targeting a 50% reduction in out-of-school children and the upgradation of learning outcomes in public schools, marking a significant milestone in addressing educational inequalities across the province. The plan further envisions a transformative shift by outsourcing 1,500 public schools to trusted educational partners under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

This move responds to a long-standing demand by PECN and other education stakeholders, who have emphasized the potential of PPP frameworks to enhance quality, accountability, and reach — particularly in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas. These reforms are expected to significantly benefit adolescent girls, who often bear the brunt of systemic educational neglect.

“This roadmap aligns with our long-standing demand for reforms rooted in accountability, innovation, and inclusive planning,” said Qamar Naseem, Program Manager at Blue Veins and Member of the Pakistan Education Champions Network. “The focus on reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving public school outcomes directly impacts girls who are often the first to be left behind. We commend the provincial leadership for prioritizing girls’ education through systemic change.”

The Rise and Shine Girls Education Leadership Network also emphasized the importance of this policy shift for adolescent girls who face multiple barriers to education including poverty, early marriage, mobility constraints, and social norms.

“Girls’ education is the smartest investment a society can make,” said Maham Nafees, member of the Rise and Shine Girls Education Leadership Network. “We are encouraged to see a government roadmap that recognizes the unique challenges girls face and provides practical strategies for improving both access and quality. Outsourcing schools under effective monitoring can potentially revolutionize girls’ learning environments and secure brighter futures.”

The organizations extend their heartfelt appreciation to the provincial government and looks forward to continued engagement with the government to ensure that implementation remains transparent, gender-responsive, and community-driven leaving no girl behind.

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