Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the immediate implementation of education, infrastructure and teacher-training reforms across government schools in Islamabad, stressing that students must be provided with a safe and supportive learning environment.
During a high-level meeting on school reforms, the prime minister instructed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to resolve the schools’ outstanding issues within one week, according to a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X.
He also called for a strategy to transform the Federal Directorate of Education into an effective and fully functional institution.
Free Meals and Smart Boards Ordered
The prime minister directed officials to activate a free lunch programme for students in Islamabad’s government schools to support their nutritional needs.
He also instructed the authorities to install smart boards in classrooms as soon as possible, highlighting the importance of improving teaching methods and introducing modern educational tools.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that infrastructure-related problems in government schools must be addressed on an emergency basis. He said the government was responsible for ensuring a safe environment for students.
The proposed measures are aimed at improving school facilities and creating better conditions for learning across the federal capital.
Merit-Based Teacher Recruitment and Training
The prime minister stressed that teachers should concentrate on teaching and educating students rather than being burdened with unrelated responsibilities.
He also directed that teacher recruitment be conducted strictly on merit, underlining the need for transparency and competence in the education system.
Teacher training was among the areas highlighted during the meeting, alongside curriculum improvements and institutional reforms.
The PMO said a survey had been presented covering curriculum, infrastructure and other aspects of government schools. The survey was conducted in line with the prime minister’s directive issued in September 2026.
Expansion of School Transport Services
Officials informed the meeting that 278 government buses were operating across Islamabad to transport school students.
Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities to expand the transport service and called for the buses to be outsourced.
The proposed expansion is intended to improve access to transportation for students attending government schools, although the statement did not provide a timeline or further details about the outsourcing arrangements.
Solar Energy and Accessibility for Students
The prime minister also highlighted the need for third-party validation of school facilities and the promotion of solar energy systems in government schools.
He directed officials to construct ramps in all government schools to improve accessibility for students with disabilities and those who use wheelchairs.
He further stressed that students should have access to the best possible medical facilities.
These measures form part of the broader effort to make government schools safer, more accessible and better equipped to meet students’ needs.
Survey Identifies Gaps in School Facilities
According to the PMO, the survey found that most government schools in Islamabad had internet access, clean drinking water, computer laboratories and other basic facilities.
However, the briefing also highlighted the need to empower school heads and encourage innovation within educational institutions.
The findings suggest that, alongside infrastructure improvements, administrative autonomy and better management will be important for improving school performance.
Senior Ministers Attend Education Reform Meeting
The meeting was attended by Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials from relevant institutions.
The one-week deadline given to Ahsan Iqbal places immediate responsibility on the planning minister to address the identified problems. Further details about implementation schedules, funding and progress on the proposed reforms were not provided in the PMO statement.
