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ISLAMABAD, Aug 07 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Farah Naz on Thursday said the Ministry is undertaking concrete, multi-sectoral initiatives to align Pakistan’s education system with rapid technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and computer programming.
Responding to a question raised by MNA Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi during the National Assembly session, she said the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has already made courses on artificial intelligence and machine learning mandatory in undergraduate programs from 2023. “We are monitoring progress and will provide feedback on improvements made in public sector institutions,” she added.
She also emphasized that several departments, including HEC, NAVTTC, and FDE, are working together on these initiatives. “If further implementation is required, there is no hesitation from the Ministry,” she assured.
Highlighting disparities, Zahra Fatemi raised concerns about whether these advancements are visible in government schools or only in private institutions. “If real improvement was happening in public schools, parents wouldn’t be forced to send their children to expensive private institutions,” she said, urging the Ministry to clarify which schools have benefited from the reforms.
Dr. Shazia Sobia, through a supplementary question, asked whether any formal nominations or time frames were set for the reforms. She also inquired about the legal status of a private international institute operating on government land under NAVTTC. In response, Farah Naz clarified that the issue was under litigation, with a stay order currently in place, and the Ministry is appointing an acting director general at FB.
On another note, MNA Romina Khurshid Alam drew attention to the financial crisis facing universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the University of Peshawar, and urged the federal government to consider a one-time special grant. “Despite the post-18th Amendment setup, the federal education ministry must intervene to save historic institutions like Peshawar University,” she stated.
Farah Naz acknowledged the concern, noting that the University of Peshawar had received Rs. 650 million in 2022. She said the request for additional funding would be considered in coordination with the Finance Division.