Punjab Aligns Education with AI, Launches Digital Skills Initiative for Youth

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has emphasized that the future of the province’s youth is closely tied to digital literacy, and efforts are underway to align the educational curriculum with the demands of Artificial Intelligence.
Speaking at a series of meetings with representatives from Google and Tech Valley, the minister highlighted the government’s “Year of Youth” campaign, aimed at equipping students and teachers with critical digital skills under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Google and Tech Valley will provide Google Career Certifications free of cost to 100,000 students, teachers, and support staff across 64 public and private universities in Punjab. These internationally recognized courses, valued at thousands of dollars, aim to enhance employability and technical proficiency.
Rana Sikandar Hayat also announced the introduction of 14 modern courses in collaboration with Tech Valley to strengthen students’ digital capabilities, preparing them to compete in the global market.
“Technology is evolving rapidly, and mastering it is key to a bright future for our youth,” he said. “We are equipping young people with AI-based skills to tackle modern challenges and empowering them through technology.”
The minister added that, as part of the initiative, vice chancellors of the top five performing universities may be sent to Google Headquarters for specialized training, marking a significant step in strengthening AI integration within Punjab’s higher education sector.