LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that artificial intelligence (AI) will be made mandatory in schools across the province marking a significant step toward modernising education and digital governance.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Pakistan, the Punjab government has also launched formal AI training for provincial ministers. The programme, titled Empowering Punjab with AI was inaugurated under the leadership of the chief minister and attended by members of the provincial cabinet.

During the workshop, ministers were introduced to AI tools including Gemini and were briefed on how artificial intelligence can assist in policymaking governance reforms and administrative efficiency. Training focused on preparing policy summaries analysing official documents and utilising Google-based digital tools.

Addressing the session, Maryam Nawaz said technology has the power to transform mindsets and systems stressing that responsible use of AI is essential for effective decision-making and sustainable reforms.

Experts from Google for Education also briefed the chief minister on several initiatives including training 3,000 master trainers, issuing digital IDs to over 300,000 government school students and providing AI related training to 200,000 students and 2,000 teachers through the Punjab Education Foundation.

Plans to offer 1,000 scholarships to promote digital journalism were also shared. The initiative reflects Punjab’s push toward future-ready education and technology-driven governance.